Crematogaster cerasi

Ants will typically only be shipped on Mondays or Tuesdays so that they will not be stuck in the mail over the weekend. Live arrival is guaranteed, if your ants do not arrive in good condition, please take a picture of the ants and contact us within 2 hours of arrival. In hot conditions, please be available to take them inside upon arrival. Refer to the refund policy for more information.

Buckeye Myrmecology has been granted permits by the USDA which allow us to ship these ants to many states in the Continental US. All shipments of Crematogaster cerasi will include the relevant permit for your state and information on safe handling and disposal of these ants. States that we are allowed to ship Crematogaster cerasi to are listed below.

STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Every state except for Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

Crematogaster cerasi for sale, Crematogaster cerasi for sale

Species Difficulty: Easy, a great beginner species.

Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Crematogaster cerasi is a species that is capable of growing large colonies, with a max size of over 10,000 workers. Colonies are monogyne and grow very fast, reaching over 100 workers before their first diapause, and quickly reaching into the thousands with proper feeding and heat.

Worker/Queen Sizes and Polymorphism: Workers of Crematogaster cerasi are approximately 2.7-4 millimeters in length, and queens are 7-9 millimeters long. Workers are mildly polymorphic with no distinct castes. Both workers and queens are typically back, although in some regions can have red colored mesosomas and heads.

Hibernation: This species can hibernate, but hibernation is optional and not recommended. To diapause Crematogaster cerasi, place the colony into a fridge/wine cooler, or another cold place that does not drop below freezing. It is important to provide them with a constant water source during diapause, and check on them every few weeks to ensure that they still have water. As they wake up from diapause, colonies will be lethargic, but will not appear to be dead. For more information about diapause, refer to our guide.

Feeding Requirements: Colonies require a constant source of sugars, typically either sugar water or honey. They accept common feeder insects for protein, such as superworms, mealworms, dubia roaches, and fruit flies. Proteins should be fed as often as the ants will accept them, or at least once a week.

Heating and Humidity: Heating can drastically speed up brood development. Brood will prefer high humidity, while workers will prefer medium.

Nesting Habits and Escape Prevention: In the wild, Crematogaster cerasi can nest both arboreally and in the ground. Here in the Eastern US, they mainly nest in wood, forming vertical galleries. In captivity, many types of nests can be used, including acrylic, 3D printed, UltraCal/grout, and wood. Talcum powder, olive oil, and Fluon can be used to prevent escape.

Development Time: Approximately 5 weeks egg-worker time depending on temperature and feeding practices.

Other notes: This genus is known for their unique, upturning gaster and the ability to spray venom at predators or prey to defend themselves. However, they cannot harm humans.