How to feed Crematogaster scutellaris
Crematogaster scutellaris is a red-headed Mediterranean ant that nests in wood and cork. It raises its abdomen when disturbed and loves sugar.
What does Crematogaster scutellaris eat?
- Sugar: high needs: diluted honey or sugar water always available.
- Protein: small chopped prey (fruit flies, cricket pieces).
- Tip: a cork or wooden nest suits it well.
How much to feed
Guidelines for a colony with a moderate amount of brood, at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F):
| WORKERS | PROTEIN | SUGAR / 3–4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Nanitics) | 1 prey item every 5 days | 1 drop |
| 50 (Small) | 4 prey items every 4 days | 2 drops |
| 150 (Growing) | 13 prey items every 3 days | 7 drops |
| 400 (Established) | 31 prey items every 3 days | 18 drops |
1 prey item = one insect the size of a fruit fly (2–3 mm). A medium cricket (1 cm) is worth about 50 prey items. 1 drop ≈ 0.05 mL.
These are starting points. If food is left after 24 h, give less; if everything disappears fast and the brood grows, give more. The calculator also adjusts for brood and temperature.
Hibernation
Light hibernation from December to February, around 10–12 °C.
Common mistakes
- Hibernating too cold: it is a Mediterranean species.
- Letting the sugar run out.
- Forgetting escape protection: small, agile workers.
FAQ
What does Crematogaster scutellaris eat?
Lots of sugar (honeydew in the wild) and small prey.
How often should I feed it?
Sugar always available, protein every 3–5 days.
Does it need hibernation?
Yes, a light one: 10–12 °C from December to February.
Amounts and timings are average guidelines, not rules. Always adjust to what you see in your own colony (leftovers, appetite, brood).