Crematogaster cerasi (The Cherry Acrobat Ant)

Crematogaster cerasi, widely known as the Acrobat Ant, is one of the most charismatic and recognizable ant species in North America. Its common name comes from the workers' unique habit of raising their heart-shaped abdomens (gasters) over their heads and thoraxes when they are disturbed or threatened—a pose that resembles an acrobat performing a handstand. This behavior is more than just a visual display; it is a defensive maneuver designed to orient their chemical weaponry toward a potential attacker. For the ant keeper, Crematogaster cerasi is a dynamic and hardy species that brings a high level of activity and a unique "personality" to any formicarium.

Natural History and Identification

Crematogaster cerasi is a medium-sized ant, with workers typically measuring between 2.5mm and 4.0mm. Their coloration is a distinctive bi-color or tri-color pattern, usually featuring a reddish-brown thorax and head with a dark brown or jet-black gaster. The most defining physical characteristic of the genus Crematogaster is the attachment point of the gaster to the petiole (waist). Instead of being attached at the bottom, the gaster is attached to the top of the petiole, which is what allows the ant to flex its abdomen upward and over its body so easily.

The queens are robust and much larger than the workers, typically ranging from 7mm to 9mm. They are usually a dark mahogany or black color and are very active movers. One of the most interesting aspects of Crematogaster cerasi is their sleek, "teardrop" or heart-shaped gaster, which is pointed at the tip. This tip is the site of the acidopore, from which they can exude a sticky, irritating chemical repellent. Unlike many other Myrmicine ants, they do not have a functional sting for piercing skin; instead, they use their chemical secretions as a powerful deterrent.

Distribution and Native Habitat

This species is native to North America and is particularly common in the eastern and central United States and parts of southern Canada. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, open woodlands, orchards, and suburban gardens. They are predominantly arboreal or semi-arboreal, meaning they spend a significant amount of time off the ground.

Their nests are most often found in dead wood, such as hollow twigs, rotting logs, or under the bark of standing trees. They are also known to nest in the abandoned galleries of wood-boring beetles or even in the crevices of human structures like porch railings and window frames. Because they are so skilled at nesting in tight, elevated spaces, they are often one of the first ants to colonize birdhouses and other artificial wooden structures.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Crematogaster cerasi is a highly opportunistic forager. They are well-known for their love of sweets and are major consumers of honeydew. In the wild, they can often be seen in long, disciplined trails moving up and down the trunks of trees to visit aphid colonies or scale insects. They are also efficient predators and scavengers, feeding on a wide range of small insects, spiders, and other protein sources they encounter during their scouts.

In captivity, they are a joy to feed because of their high energy and rapid recruitment. They will enthusiastically take down live prey (such as fruit flies or small crickets) and will congregate in large numbers around sugar-water or honey feeders. Because they are naturally adapted to foraging on vertical surfaces, they are excellent climbers and will explore every inch of an outworld. Their ability to move in large, coordinated trails makes them one of the most visually interesting species to watch during feeding time.

Colony Lifecycle and Social Structure

The lifecycle of Crematogaster cerasi begins with the nuptial flights, which typically take place in the late summer or early autumn (August to September). These flights often occur in the late afternoon on warm, humid days. The queens are fully claustral, meaning they can start a new colony on their own in a small cavity in wood or soil. Once the first generation of workers (nanitics) emerges, the colony begins to grow rapidly.

Colonies of Crematogaster cerasi are generally monogynous (having one queen), though some populations may occasionally show signs of polygyny. A mature colony can become quite large, containing several thousand workers. They are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting sites and foraging trails against other ants. Their "acrobat" posture is a key part of this defense, signaling to rivals that they are ready to deploy their chemical defenses.

Ant Keeping: Care and Housing

Crematogaster cerasi is an excellent species for both beginners and experienced keepers. They are hardy, adaptable, and relatively easy to contain, provided the outworld barrier is well-maintained. They prefer temperatures between 22°C and 26°C during their active season. While they are more tolerant of lower humidity than subterranean species, they still require a consistent source of water and a slightly humid nesting area to ensure the health of the brood.

Hibernation is a requirement for this species, as they are native to temperate climates. They should be diapause for 3-4 months at temperatures between 5°C and 10°C. One important note for keepers is that Crematogaster are notorious "chewers." While they cannot chew through hard acrylic or glass, they can sometimes damage softer materials like cotton or soft gaskets if they are motivated to expand their nest. Providing them with a secure, well-constructed formicarium is essential.

Recommended Setup

Because they are semi-arboreal and very active, the All-in-One setup is a fantastic choice for founding and small colonies. It provides a compact environment that mimics the hollow twigs and small cavities they naturally inhabit. For larger colonies, the Large Habitat Kit is the ideal choice. The spacious outworld allows for the addition of branches and bark, creating a vertical foraging environment that plays to their natural strengths. For the nesting area itself, the Paris formicarium is highly recommended. Its structured chambers provide the secure "cavity-like" feel that Acrobat Ants love, and its excellent visibility makes it easy to observe their unique behaviors and social structure.

Fun Facts and Advanced Observations

• Chemical Warfare: The chemical they produce from their gaster is not just a repellent; it can also act as a contact poison for smaller insects and is a powerful alarm pheromone that can alert the entire colony to danger in seconds.
• Woodland Architects: While they don't chew through sound wood, they are excellent at "remodeling" soft, decaying wood to create a complex network of chambers and tunnels.
• Acrobatic Displays: The "acrobat" pose is most often seen when the ants encounter a larger predator or a rival ant colony. It is a classic example of a "threat display" in the insect world.
• Arboreal Trails: In the wild, a single colony may have trails that extend for dozens of feet up into the canopy of a tree, connecting multiple foraging sites and aphid "pastures."