The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

Is this a queen? It's about 3-6mm in length, I found it in my driveway in Michigan. I found it 1-2 days ago, it's the end of summer here.



Thank you for your help, as I am new at ant keeping.

Crematogaster sp.

Try not to guess when you are taking a measurement!

I thought it looked a lot more like Tetramorium Sp.E, No?

Tetramorium aren't flying anymore by August (in North America). That round head belongs to Crematogaster, which is having its mating season right now.

They look pretty similar to me

Cremogaster

Tetramorium


Are they similar species care and behavior wise?

I agree, queens of the two species do look similar, but she is definitely not Tetramorium.

I haven't kept Crematogaster before, but know that the workers are many times better at climbing than Tetramorium. They nest high in the trees.

Cool, I'll do some research on how to keep them.
Thanks for your help!
-Ant Love forever!

Batspiderfish wrote:I agree, queens of the two species do look similar, but she is definitely not Tetramorium.

I haven't kept Crematogaster before, but know that the workers are many times better at climbing than Tetramorium. They nest high in the trees.

Is that why there's an entire colony constantly moving brood up and down the tree in my front yard? Didnt think Temperate Crematogaster did that.

Martialis wrote:

Batspiderfish wrote:I agree, queens of the two species do look similar, but she is definitely not Tetramorium.

I haven't kept Crematogaster before, but know that the workers are many times better at climbing than Tetramorium. They nest high in the trees.

Is that why there's an entire colony constantly moving brood up and down the tree in my front yard? Didnt think Temperate Crematogaster did that.

Hmm, I guess they do nest close to the ground. I was under the impression that they nested in rotting wood, high up, like Aphaenogaster tennesseensis. They are common in Maine, but I very rarely see the colonies.

How would I house these ants if they live in trees,
I.e. Outworld, Formicarium, tubing, outworld terrain.
Pictures would be helpful.