What is an ant outworld?

An ant outworld is a foraging arena connected to the ant nest where ants explore, feed, and exercise. It is where you place food and water for your colony.

What is a formicarium?

A formicarium is a bioactive ant habitat filled with natural substrate such as sand or coconut coir, allowing ants to dig tunnels and create their own nest environment naturally.

Do I need a formicarium or an outworld?

Most ant keepers use both together. The formicarium is where the queen and colony live and breed. The outworld is the connected foraging space where ants search for food.

Do Best Ants UK outworlds come with PTFE ant escape prevention?

PTFE Fluon ant escape barrier is available as a separate accessory. It is applied to the inner walls of the outworld and is the most effective ant escape prevention product available.

Ant Outworlds & Formicariums UK – Natural Ant Habitats for Sale

Shop ant outworlds, formicariums and natural ant habitats in the UK. An ant outworld is your colony's foraging arena.

A formicarium is a bioactive habitat filled with natural substrate in which ants dig and build their own nests.

Browse our ant farm kits with ants, live queen ant colonies and ant food.

Shop Ant Outworlds and Formicariums

Best Live Ant Colonies to Pair With Your New Formicarium

Pair your formicarium with a live queen ant colony:

- Lasius niger – Black Garden Ants, native UK species
- Lasius flavus – Yellow Meadow Ants, native UK species
- Myrmica rubra – Red Fire Ants
- Messor barbarus – Harvester Ants, highly recommended

All colonies shipped with a live arrival guarantee.

Read our guide on how to set up your ant farm before you start.

Ant Keeping Essentials & Accessories

Everything you need for your ant outworld or formicarium:
- PTFE Fluon – ant escape prevention
- Feeding dish – keeps the outworld clean
- Water dispensers – safe hydration for your colony
- Ant food – protein jelly, seeds and nectar
- Test tubes and connection tubes