Crematogaster maryatii

Crematogaster maryatii

Crematogaster maryatii is a tiny myrmecophyte ant species endemic to Borneo, Sumatra, and Peninsula Malaysia. Workers measure just 2.3-3.0mm and queens reach 5.4-6.6mm, making them one of the smaller Crematogaster species. They have very short or absent propodeal spines and a distinctive dark brown coloration with a slightly darker head and gaster. This species belongs to the Crematogaster borneensis group and is an obligate plant-ant that lives exclusively inside the hollow stems of Macaranga plants ^[1][2].

What makes C. maryatii special is its tight partnership with Macaranga trees, these plants provide housing and the ants protect them from herbivores. Unlike many plant-ants that need large stem cavities, C. maryatii can colonize very young saplings because their queens are tiny enough to fit into the first internodes. Queens start reproducing when the colony reaches only about 500 workers, much earlier than related species ^[2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia (Sabah, Kalimantan). Found in both primary and secondary forest habitats, living inside Macaranga host plants (primarily M. hypoleuca, M. havilandii, M. motleyana, and M. angulata) ^[2][1].
• Colony Type: Single-queen colonies (monogyne). Queens are small and colonies reach reproductive size at around 500 workers ^[2].
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 5.4-6.6mm ^[2]
  • Worker: 2.3-3.0mm ^[2]
  • Colony: Approximately 500 workers when they reach reproductive phase ^[2]
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated based on small colony size and tropical species patterns
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on typical Crematogaster development in tropical conditions) (Development time is estimated, no specific studies on this species. Tropical species typically develop faster than temperate ones.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm at 24-28°C. This is a tropical species from Borneo, so it needs consistently warm conditions. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle gradient if your room is cooler.
  • Humidity: High humidity (70-85%). These ants live inside plant stems in a tropical rainforest environment, so they need consistently moist conditions. Keep the nest substrate damp but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: No, this is a tropical species that does not hibernate. Maintain warm conditions year-round.
  • Nesting: This species is an obligate plant-ant that lives inside hollow plant stems. In captivity, they do well in acrylic nests or Y-tong nests with narrow chambers scaled to their tiny size. The chambers should be kept humid. They may accept naturalistic setups with live Macaranga or similar plants, but this is advanced.
• Behavior: These ants are defensive of their host plant but relatively small and harmless to humans. Workers are active and will readily defend against intruders. They have a functional stinger but it's too small to penetrate human skin effectively. Their small size means escape prevention is important, use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids. They are not aggressive toward keepers but will protect their nest vigorously ^[2].
• Common Issues: tropical species needs constant warmth, cold temperatures will kill the colony, small size means escapes are possible through tiny gaps, use fine mesh barriers, obligate plant symbiont may have specialized dietary needs not met by standard ant feeds, high humidity required, dry conditions will cause colony decline, limited availability as a species, wild colonies are protected in their native range

The Macaranga Partnership

Crematogaster maryatii is an obligate myrmecophyte, it can only live inside Macaranga plants. This is a mutualistic relationship where the plant provides hollow stems for the ants to nest in, and the ants protect the plant from herbivores and competing plants. The ants get housing and sometimes food bodies from the plant.

In the wild, queens colonize very young saplings, often finding the first suitable hollow internode to found their colony. This species can colonize smaller stems than many other Crematogaster plant-ants because both the queens and workers are tiny. This allows them to establish in secondary forest where saplings are smaller ^[2].

In captivity, replicating this exact relationship is challenging. Most keepers use standard formicarium setups while providing high humidity. Some advanced keepers have kept them in setups with live plant stems, but this requires significant experience.

Housing and Nest Setup

For such a small ant species, you'll need appropriately sized housing. Acrylic nests or Y-tong nests with narrow chambers work well. The chambers should be sized to the worker size (2.3-3mm), avoid large, open spaces.

Because they're from the humid tropics, keep the nest substrate consistently moist. You can achieve this with a water reservoir connected to the nest or by adding water directly to the nest material. However, avoid creating standing water, the substrate should feel damp, not soggy.

Escape prevention is important despite their small size. Use tight-fitting lids and consider fine mesh on any ventilation holes. Their small size means they can squeeze through surprisingly tiny gaps.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Crematogaster maryatii tends scale insects and feeds on honeydew from them inside the Macaranga stems. They also eat small insects and may consume food bodies produced by their host plant.

In captivity, offer a varied diet: sugar water or honey water as a constant energy source, and small protein sources like fruit flies, small mealworms, or other tiny insects. Because of their mutualistic relationship with plants, they may also accept plant-derived foods or honeydew substitutes.

Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold in the humid environment. ^[2]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This is a strict tropical species from Borneo. You must maintain warm temperatures year-round, aim for 24-28°C consistently. Temperatures below 22°C for extended periods will stress the colony and may be fatal.

Unlike temperate ants, C. maryatii does not hibernate or enter diapause. They remain active year-round if kept warm. A heating cable placed on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing the ants to choose their preferred warmth level.

Avoid temperature fluctuations and drafts. Keep the nest away from air conditioning vents, windows, and exterior walls that may be cooler. ^[2]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Crematogaster maryatii colonies are relatively small compared to many Crematogaster species. They reach reproductive maturity at around 500 workers, which is quite small. This early reproduction is likely an adaptation to colonizing small, young plant stems that can't support large colonies.

Workers are active foragers and will patrol their territory actively. When threatened, they can release a defensive secretion from their abdomen, this is their main defense mechanism rather than stinging.

The colony will establish a queen chamber and brood chambers within the nest. Brood development is relatively fast for a tropical species, but specific timelines are not documented. ^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

References