Crematogaster sordidula – Mediterranean acrobat ant
Crematogaster sordidula is a small and active ant species found in the Mediterranean region. Like other Crematogaster species, this ant has a striking heart-shaped abdomen that can be raised when disturbed. This characteristic behavior has given the genus the name acrobat ants.
In the wild, Crematogaster sordidula is primarily found in warm and relatively dry habitats. The species nests mainly in the soil and under stones. This distinguishes it from several better-known Crematogaster species that are strongly associated with trees and dead wood. Workers leave the nest to collect small food sources, insects, and sweet fluids.
Despite their small size, the workers can be quite active. When a suitable food source is found, other workers can be recruited, and activity quickly increases around the food. The contrast between the small workers and the typical upward-pointing abdomen makes their behavior interesting to observe in a formicarium.
Crematogaster sordidula is particularly suitable for keepers seeking a relatively small Mediterranean ant species. Due to the small size of the workers, extra attention must be paid to a well-sealed formicarium and reliable escape protection.
Specifications
Scientific name: Crematogaster sordidula
Dutch name: Mediterranean acrobat ant
Distribution area: Mediterranean region, including parts of Southern Europe and North Africa
Ant color: Brown to dark brown
Difficulty level: 2 / 5
Queen size: approximately 5 – 7 mm
Worker size: approximately 2 – 3.5 mm
Soldier size: Not present
Temperature: approximately 20 – 28°C
Optimal temperature: approximately 24 – 26°C
Winter dormancy: Yes; in European populations, a cooler dormancy period of around 10 – 15°C can be maintained from approximately November through February
Growth rate: Average
Maximum queen lifespan: several years under good conditions
Maximum worker lifespan: dependent on temperature, nutrition, and conditions
Development to worker numbers: several hundred to possibly several thousand workers
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Organization: Claustral; the queen can raise the first generation of workers from her own reserves
Colony formation: Usually monogynous, with one queen per colony
Power supply
Crematogaster sordidula is an omnivorous ant species that requires both sugar-rich food and animal protein.
Diet: small insects such as fruit flies, small redrunners, small crickets, buffalo worms, and small pieces of mealworm or dubia.
Sugars: for example Byformica Sunburst Ant Nectar, sugar water, honey water and other suitable nectar food.
Sugar-rich food forms an important energy source for the worker bees. Protein-rich insects are especially important when larvae are present and the colony needs to raise new brood.
Fresh drinking water must always be available.
Care
Crematogaster sordidula is best kept in a predominantly dry to slightly damp nest. Provide a small damp zone so that the colony can choose a suitable place for breeding itself. It is not necessary to keep the entire nest constantly very wet.
Due to the small size of the workers, good escape protection is essential. Pay particular attention to the ventilation, hose connections, lid edges, and other connections for small openings.
From how many workers to a nest: approximately 20 – 30 workers
Recommended nest type: small 3D nest, Ytong nest, plaster nest or well-sealed acrylic nest
A young colony is best kept compact. As the colony grows, the arena and available nesting surface can be gradually expanded.
✅ Why choose Crematogaster sordidula
• Small and interesting Mediterranean ant species
• Characteristic heart-shaped abdomen
• Can raise the abdomen conspicuously
• Active foraging behavior
• Clearly observable feeding response
• Colony remains relatively compact
• Interesting for Crematogaster enthusiasts
• Special ground-dwelling acrobat ant
