Crematogaster castanea

Colony Type: Monogyny

Colony Size: Up to 20 000 workers

Development Speed: Fast

• Queen: 9-10 mm
• Workers: 4-6 mm

Color: Sporting an eye-catching vivid orange-red body with striking black markings, these ants are easily distinguishable.

• Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
• Syrup (a mixture of water and honey or sugar, with a ratio of 4/3 water:1)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Jelly
• Cooked chicken without salt, shrimps
• Honey

• Humidity: Arena: 30-50%, Nest: 50-70%
• Temperature: Arena: 25-30 °C, Nest: 22-28 °C

Breeding Crematogaster castanea requires providing suitable nest options that cater to their unique needs. Though adaptable, certain nest types are particularly well-suited for their successful breeding:

• Acrylic Nests: Acrylic nests offer excellent visibility, enabling observers to closely monitor ant behavior and colony development. These nests also provide easy maintenance access and allow for precise control over temperature and humidity levels.
• Ytong Nests: Ytong nests, crafted from lightweight, porous material, regulate temperature and humidity effectively. These nests mimic the ants’ natural habitat and provide an ideal environment for brood development.
• Outworlds: Outworlds are essential for the foraging activities of Crematogaster castanea. They facilitate exploration and food gathering while ensuring the nest remains clean and organized.
• Wooden nests