Ant Spotlight: Crematogaster cerasi
Commonly known as the Acrobat Ant
This species, Crematogaster cerasi—commonly known as the Acrobat Ant—is well known for its heart-shaped gaster that it raises under threat. It can be found in North America and mostly nests in rotting wood and tree stumps. Though many refer to it as a black house ant (along with Camponotus and Formica), it can be easily identified by its posture and appearance. It has a mild sting and mostly scavenges on small dead insects and feeds on honeydew.
Crematogaster cerasi Ant With Gatser Raised
Why raise the gaster in the face of a threat? The gaster is the posterior section of the ant, behind the thorax. It contains the social stomach, pheromone, and venom glands. In queen ants, the eggs are stored here. A heart-shaped gaster can make the ant appear larger, scaring off other predators with aposematism—warning signs that animals use to deter predators, such as appearing larger. The ant may also be bearing the stinger, such as a lion showing its teeth when a rival enters the wrong territory, showing that it is ready to defend. Overall, when an ant raises its gaster, it is likely a show of force, and it is ready to defend however necessary.
C. cerasi is one of a few species known to engage in cattle farming. Of course, the ants do not farm real cattle—such as sheep or cows—instead, they farm aphids. For protection, aphids will give the ants their honeydew, a sugary liquid. Usually, 3-4 ants will be stationed on a branch with aphids, maintaining a keen eye for any predators, such as ladybugs. When an aphid produces honeydew, one of the guards will drink it and transport it to the colony. This behavior is also observed in species like Lasius niger, Solenopsis invicta and Formica rufa.
C. cerasi Protecting Aphids
C. cerasi is a very unique species. Though often generalized as a normal black house ant, just like every ant, it is unique in many ways, such as a uniquely shaped gaster that is raised under threat. This specific species is favored among ant keepers for its non-aggressive sting, active behaviors, and being relatively easy to maintain. Overall, C. cerasi is an atypical ant that is good for novice ant keepers and interesting for new hobbyists. It truly shows off the true diversity of the ant world.