The use of Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) technology in Elastic Optical Networks (EONs) is a promising solution to improve the transport capability and flexibility required by next-generation applications. In this work, we have illustrated that Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms can be incorporated into the network control plane and associated with a crankback mechanism to provision and restore lightpaths in a fully distributed manner. In effect, by tackling the challenging Routing, Modulation, Spectrum, and Space Assignment (RMSSA) problem, ACO algorithms can address the inter-core crosstalk and spectrum fragmentation that may limit the potential of the SDM-EON. By comparing different levels of resource state accuracy at the control plane, the simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of the ACO algorithms compared to routing algorithms based on a centralized control plane with a link-state routing protocol, showcasing lower bandwidth blocking rate, comparable restorability, controlled crosstalk levels, and higher scalability, all achieved without a significant increase in setup and restoration times.