Ant-keeping is a fascinating hobby that has gained popularity in recent years. This is the place to say thanks to everyone who helped our ant community grow over the past 20 years. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced ant keeper, Best Ants UK offers a diverse range of ant species and resources to support your ant-keeping journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about antkeeping in the UK, from the easiest live queen ants and colonies for beginners to the best ant farm starter kits available.
Table of Contents Ant Keeping in the UK
Introduction to Ant-Keeping
Beginner-friendly Ant Species in the UK
Common Ant Species for Ant Keepers
The Best Ant Farm Starter Kits for Beginners
Creating an Ant Farm for Kids
Ant Farm Kits: Everything You Need to Know
The Queen Ant Lifespan
Tips for Successful Antkeeping
Ant Farm Maintenance and Care
Ant Farm Accessories and Equipment
Ant Feeding: Providing the Right Nutrition
Ant Behaviour, Anatomy, and Ecology
1. Introduction to Ant Keeping
Ant keeping is a rewarding hobby that allows you to observe the fascinating behaviour and complex social structures of ants up close. It involves creating a suitable habitat, or ant farm, for the ants to thrive. Ant farms can come in various forms, including natural setups with soil, artificial plants or acrylic ant farms that allow for 24/7 observation.
In the UK, ant keeping has become increasingly popular, with a wide range of ant species available for enthusiasts to choose from. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced ant keeper, there are plenty of resources and support networks to help you on your ant-keeping journey. Ants are incredible creatures and once you understand their behaviour, you can learn a lot. You will be amazed at how intelligent the ants are.
One fact that's worth mentioning about the Harpegnatos Venator colonies, we recently started breading again. We fed them every single day. We give them food at 5 pm sharp every day in the special larger test tube designed for a feeding area and one ant is getting the crushed locust 30 minutes later dragging it inside the nest to the queen's chamber so she and her brood are treated as a real royalty, she eats for 4-5 minutes along with the larvae, then a worker ant is moving the locust in another chamber where all 14 workers eat as much as they need and 1 hour later the same worker who got the locust from the feeding area is returning it there, on the same spot in the feeding dish where we served it. Because these ants are huge, they eat in turns. Harpegnatos Venator is known as Primitive Jumping Ants and their ability to jump is truly astonishing but what makes them stand out is their social behaviour and tidyness. Not bad for "primitive" ants, not bad at all.
2. Beginner-friendly Ant Species in the UK
For those new to ant keeping, it's essential to choose beginner-friendly ant species that are easy to care for and suitable for the UK climate. Some of the easiest live queen ants and ant colonies for beginners include:
Lasius Niger (Black Garden Ant): This common ant species is native to the UK and can adapt well to various environments. They are small, black ants that are relatively easy to care for. They are tough and stubborn ants so do not expect an easy antkeeping with them. Black ants are a good starting point to dive into the antkeeping though.
Lasius Flavus (Yellow Meadow Ant): Another native UK species, these ants are larger than Lasius Niger and have a yellow-brown colouration. They are known for their mound-building behaviour and are relatively easy to keep in captivity. Well-organised and tidy ants but very shy so we might classify them as scaredy-cats. Do not expect too much fun with them.
Myrmica Rubra (Red Fire Ant): Also native to the UK, these ants are characterized by their reddish-brown colouration. They are more challenging to keep than Lasius species but offer a unique ant-keeping experience. Red ants are fearless and sometimes even cruel when it comes to aggressiveness against intruders. Give them a mealworm and enjoy.
Messor Barbarus (Common Black Harvester Ant): While not native to the UK, Messor Barbarus ants are popular among ant keepers due to their fascinating behaviour and unique dietary habits. They collect and store seeds, making them a fascinating species to observe. Probably the best beginner ant species. Extremely polymorphic. Peaceful and tidy species. Larger than the aforementioned ants so truly the best to start digging into the antkeeping hobby.
3. Common Ant Species for Ant Keepers
In addition to the beginner-friendly species mentioned above, there are several other ant species commonly kept by enthusiasts in the UK. These include:
Camponotus species (Carpenter Ants): Known for their large size and impressive strength, Carpenter ants are prized for their unique nest-building behaviour and diverse castes. The best possible carpenter ants to start with are Camponotus Nicobarensis or Micans.
Formica species (Wood Ants): Wood Ants are known for their aggressive nature and large colonies. They build distinctive mounds and are fascinating to observe. Formica Fusca is the best choice for a beginner.
Myrmica species (Fire Ants): Red Ants known as Myrmica Rubra, also known as the European Red Fire Ant, is a fascinating ant species that makes a great addition to any ant keeper collection. These ants are tough and well-fortified, making their colony incredibly resilient. They are active and a bit aggressive, making them an exciting species to observe.
Pheidole species (Big-headed Ants): Big-headed Ants are characterized by their large heads and strong mandibles. They are known for their impressive foraging behaviour and division of labour within the colony. Pheidole Noda would be the ultimate choice for beginners.
Asian species (Exotic ants): These ants boast unique physical characteristics and behaviours, unlike any other ant species. With a variety of colours and sizes, they are sure to catch your eye. Read more about exotic ants in this article: My Living Ant World
Leafcutter Ants (Leafcutters): Leafcutters belong to the genus Atta and are renowned for their impressive size and strength in their body weight. They can carry leaf fragments that are up to 50 times their body weight, making them one of the strongest creatures on the planet. Leafcutter ants are fascinating little things that have captured the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. These ants require specialized ant farms and are not suitable for beginners. Find out more about leafcutters: The Leafcutter Ants: Nature's Tiny Architects with a Big Impact
4. The Best Ant Farm Starter Kits for Beginners
When starting your ant-keeping journey, it's crucial to choose the right ant farm starter kit. After you capture your first queen ant you must put her in a test tube setup. Once the colony reaches 20+ workers you must consider moving the colony into a suitable ant farm kit. These kits typically include all the necessary components to create a suitable habitat for your ants. Here are some of the best ant farm starter kits for beginners:
Best Ants UK Starter Set for Messor Ant Species: This starter set includes a special eco-friendly plastic ant farm plus an acrylic outworld, nesting materials, and a large colony of Messor Barbarus ants. It provides a complete setup for beginners to start their ant-keeping adventure.
Best Ants UK Starter Kit (Lasius Niger): This kit includes a nest, foraging area, and a colony of Lasius Niger ants. It is designed to be easy to set up and provides everything you need to get started.
Best Ants UK Nest Starter Kit (for all ant species): This kit is suitable for beginners and offers a choice between Garden, Harvester or Camponotus ants. It includes a nest, foraging area, and other essential accessories. It's equipped with a humidity and temperature meter so it's way more easy to track the nest's conditions. An amazing ant farm for beginner ant keepers.
Ant Farms for Kids: Our Ant Farms made for Kids with live ants include everything necessary to start and dive into the ants' world. Every Ant Habitat is sold with Queen Ant and workers of Lasius Niger (Black Garden Ant Colony) or Messor Barbarus (Black Harvester Ant Colony) one of the easiest ant species to raise.
Carpenter Ant Farm Starter Kit: The Carpenter Ant Farm Starter Kit Camponotus Live Ants Wooden Nest is the perfect way to start your ant-keeping journey. This kit includes a nest with wooden filling and multiple chambers, allowing your ants to create a complex and fascinating colony.
Find out more: Best Ants UK Ant Farms and Nests
5. Creating an Ant Farm for Kids
Ant farms can be a fantastic educational tool for kids, allowing them to learn about the fascinating world of ants and their unique behaviours. When creating an ant farm for kids, it's important to choose a setup that is safe, easy to observe, and age-appropriate. Consider the following factors:
Size: Opt for a smaller ant farm that is easy for kids to manage and observe.
Materials: Choose a durable yet lightweight material such as acrylic or plastic that is safe for children.
Accessibility: Ensure that the ant farm has a clear viewing area, allowing kids to observe the ants without causing disturbance.
Beginner-friendly species: Select beginner-friendly ant species, such as Lasius Niger or Lasius Flavus, that are easy to care for and suitable for kids.
By creating a kid-friendly ant farm, you can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity while providing a valuable learning experience.
Find out more: How do you make an ant farm for kids? A Step-by-Step Guide
6. Ant Farm Kits: Everything You Need to Know
Ant farm kits are comprehensive packages that include all the necessary components to create a suitable habitat for your ants. These kits typically include a nest, foraging area, accessories, and sometimes even a colony of ants. Here's everything you need to know about ant farm kits:
Nest: The nest is the main habitat for the ants, providing space for the queen, brood, and workers. It should have tunnels, chambers, and moisture-retaining materials to mimic the ants' natural environment.
Foraging Area: The foraging area is where the ants search for food and explore their surroundings. It should be spacious enough for the ants to move around comfortably and should include food and water sources.
Accessories: Ant farm kits may include various accessories such as feeding dishes, water tubes, magnifying glasses, and tools for maintaining the ant farm.
Colony of Ants: Some ant farm kits come with a colony of ants, while others require you to source them separately. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with the kit for introducing ants to their new habitat.
Ant farm kits are designed to make the setup process easier for beginners and provide everything you need to start your ant-keeping adventure.
A must-read article for a beginner ants keeper:Â Ant Farm Kits Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase
7. The Queen Ant Lifespan
The lifespan of a queen ant can vary depending on the species. In general, queen ants have longer lifespans compared to worker ants. While worker ants typically live for a few weeks to a few months, queen ants can live for several years or even decades.
The exact lifespan of a queen ant depends on various factors, including the species, environmental conditions, and the presence of threats or predators. It's important to provide a suitable habitat and proper care to ensure the longevity of the queen ant.
During her lifespan, a queen ant is responsible for producing and laying eggs, maintaining the colony's population, and ensuring its survival. She plays a vital role in the social structure and growth of the ant colony.
More detailed information in this article: The Queen Ant Lifespan: A Closer Look into the Captivating Life Cycle of an Ant
8. Tips for Successful Ant Keeping
Successful ant keeping requires careful attention to the ants' needs and a suitable environment for their growth and development. Here are some tips to ensure a successful ant-keeping experience:
Research: Familiarize yourself with the specific care requirements of the ant species you are keeping. Different ant species have different needs, so proper research is essential. Our Blog page contains tons of information. You can do proper educational research with: Educational Books About Ants
Habitat Setup: Create a suitable habitat that mimics the ants' natural environment. Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, nesting materials, and foraging areas.
Feeding: Provide a balanced diet for your ants, including both protein and sugar sources. Offer a variety of foods to ensure their nutritional needs are met. From Sugar to Insects: What Do Ants Eat?
Observation: Spend time observing your ant colony to understand their behaviour and identify any signs of stress or health issues. Regular observation allows you to address any problems promptly. Unleash Your Inner Entomologist!
Patience: Ant colonies take time to grow and develop. Be patient and avoid disturbing the ants unnecessarily. Allow them to establish their colony and reach their full potential.
Troubleshooting: Exploring the Factors That May Prevent Ants from Moving in Your Ant Farm
By following these tips, you can create a thriving ant colony and have a rewarding ant-keeping experience.
9. Ant Farm Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance and care are crucial for the well-being of your ant farm and its inhabitants. Here are some important aspects of ant farm maintenance:
Cleaning: Regularly clean the ant farm, removing any debris, mould, or waste. Maintain cleanliness to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the ants' health.
Moisture Control: Monitor the moisture levels in the nest and foraging area. Provide access to water sources and ensure the nest remains adequately moist.
Temperature Regulation: Maintain a suitable temperature range for your ant farm, as different ant species have different temperature requirements. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments if necessary.
Food Management: Monitor food consumption and remove any uneaten or spoiled food promptly. Provide fresh food regularly to meet the nutritional needs of the ants.
Nest Expansion: As the ant colony grows, consider expanding the nest to provide more space for the ants. Monitor the nest's capacity and make adjustments as needed.
By maintaining a clean and suitable environment, you can ensure the health and well-being of your ant colony.
10. Ant Farm Accessories and Equipment
Ant farm accessories and equipment can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your ant farm. Here are some commonly used accessories:
Feeding Dishes: These small dishes are used to provide food to the ants. They can be filled with sugar water, fruits, or protein-rich foods.
Water Tubes: Water tubes allow easy access to water for the ants. They can be filled with water and placed in/attached to the foraging area.
Magnifying Glasses: Magnifying glasses can help you observe the ants up close and appreciate their intricate details and behaviours.
Tools: Various tools, such as tweezers and brushes, can be used for maintenance tasks, such as removing debris or adjusting the nest.
Decorative Elements: Some ant keepers like to add decorative elements, such as rocks, plants, or miniature structures, to enhance the visual appeal of the ant farm.
Heating mats: The Heating Mat with Thermostat is perfect for your ant farm and ants nest or if you are keeping exotic or non-native ants in the UK!
External Temperature and Humidity Meters: A Digital meter with an External Sensor is a must-have for any ant keeper. With its compact size, it is easy to place in any ant habitat or enclosure. The external sensor allows for accurate readings of both temperature and humidity levels, ensuring the perfect environment for your ants.
These accessories can be purchased separately or may come included in ant farm kits, depending on the specific product.
11. Ant Feeding: Providing the Right Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of your ant colony. Ants require a balanced diet that includes both protein and sugars. Here are some tips for providing the right nutrition to your ants:
Protein Sources: Live insects, such as fruit flies, locusts and crickets, can be offered as a protein source. Alternatively, protein jellies can be used as a substitute.
Sugar Sources: Ants obtain sugars from various sources, including honeydew produced by aphids, fruits, or specially formulated organic ant honey. These can be provided in small dishes or soaked into cotton balls.
Seed-Collecting Ants: If you have seed-collecting ants, such as Harvester ants, it's important to provide a variety of seeds for them to forage and collect.
Varied Diet: Offer a diverse range of foods to ensure your ants receive a balanced diet. Experiment with different fruits (grapes or bananas), vegetables (all but cucumbers), and other food sources (cooked chicken, beef or tuna) to meet their nutritional needs.
It's important to monitor food consumption and remove any uneaten or spoiled food to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your ants. The best practice is to discard any remaining food after two days.
12. Ant Behaviour, Anatomy, and Ecology
Understanding ant behaviour, anatomy, and ecology can provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of ants. Here are some key aspects to explore:
Colony Structure: Ant colonies consist of various castes, including the queen, workers, soldiers, and sometimes reproductive individuals. Each caste has different roles and responsibilities within the colony.
Communication: Ants communicate through chemical signals called pheromones. They use these signals to coordinate tasks, mark trails, and recognize nestmates.
Foraging Behavior: Ants exhibit impressive foraging behaviour, often following scent trails to locate food sources. They can also engage in seed collecting, honeydew farming, or other specialized foraging activities.
Social Organization: Ants have complex social structures, with a division of labour and cooperation among colony members. They work together to ensure the survival and growth of the colony.
Ecological Interactions: Ants play vital roles in ecosystems, including seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. Understanding their ecological interactions can provide a deeper appreciation for their importance in the natural world.
By delving into these topics, you can gain a deeper understanding of ant behaviour and ecology, enriching your ant-keeping experience.
In conclusion, ant keeping in the UK offers a diverse range of ant species and resources for enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced ant keeper, there are plenty of options to explore. By choosing the right ant species, setting up a suitable ant farm, and providing proper care and nutrition, you can embark on a fascinating journey into the world of ants. Enjoy observing their intricate behaviours, social structures, and ecological interactions, and join a community of passionate antkeepers who share a love for these extraordinary creatures. Happy antkeeping!