Crematogaster missouriensis

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 missouriensis 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 mmissouriensis to are listed below.

STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

Species Difficulty: Intermediate, not much is known about C. missouriensis.

Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Crematogaster missouriensis colonies are typically only a few hundred workers.¹ Their growth speed is unknown, but likely slower than other Crematogaster spp.. Colonies are monogynous, with one queen.¹

Worker/Queen Sizes and Polymorphism: Workers of Crematogaster missouriensis are approximately 2-3 millimeters in length, and queens are 5-6 millimeters long.¹ Workers are monomorphic, with slight size variation.

Hibernation: This species can hibernate, but hibernation is optional and not recommended. To diapause Crematogaster missouriensis, 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 speed up brood development. Brood will prefer high humidity, while workers will prefer medium-high.

Nesting Habits and Escape Prevention: In the wild, Crematogaster missouriensis has subterranean nests in open areas.¹ In captivity, nests with higher humidity are recommended, such as AAC or UltraCal/grout. Talcum powder, olive oil, and Fluon can be used to prevent escape.

Development Time: Approximately 6-8 weeks egg-worker time depending on temperature and feeding.

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.