Crematogaster rogenhoferi

Name: Crematogaster rogenhoferi
Origin: Southeast Asia (e.g. Thailand, Malaysia)
Queen: approx. 7 – 9 mm
Workers: approx. 3 – 5 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water, maple syrup), proteins (small insects such as flies, crickets, roaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 40 – 60 %
• Nest: 60 – 80 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 28 °C
• Nest: 24 – 28 °C
Winter Dormancy: No
Nest Type: Test tubes, cork, wood, or 3D nests with a moist nest chamber are ideal
Colony Size: approx. 1,000 – 5,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Crematogaster rogenhoferi

Advantages:
Crematogaster rogenhoferi is a very agile and exciting arboreal ant species with interesting defensive behavior (raising the abdomen upward). It is polygynous and can develop quickly with good care. Thanks to its activity and curiosity, it is especially nice to observe – even during the day.

Disadvantages:
These ants are prone to escaping and are very good climbers – an absolutely airtight arena is a must. They can also react aggressively to disturbances and should not be kept too dry.

Care

A darkened test tube with a mini arena is sufficient for founding. As the colony grows, a nest kept moist with a natural character (e.g. cork or wood) is recommended, complemented by a well-secured arena of at least 20×20 cm. Due to their climbing ability, vertical structures and escape barriers (e.g. PTFE) are essential.

Feeding

This species is very active and reliably accepts food.
Small insects such as flies or crickets should be offered every 2–3 days