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What are the Best Ants to Keep in the UK?

Lasius niger - The Common Black Garden Ant

One of the most well-known ant species in the United Kingdom is the Lasius niger, commonly known as the black garden ant. These ants are frequently found in gardens and have the ability to adapt to living in captivity. They are small in size, with worker ants measuring approximately 3-5mm long. Lasius niger ants are recognized for their tendency to enter houses, which makes them a familiar sight to many people. They construct nests underneath pavements, in soil, and along the edges of lawns. These ants are fast, strong, and highly productive, with colonies consisting of thousands of worker ants. In terms of behaviour, Lasius niger ants utilize formic acid and their jaws for both attacking and defending themselves. They consume insects, nectar, and even the corpses of their own dead or ants from other colonies. These ants have a particular fondness for sugary substances. Keeping Lasius niger ants in captivity is relatively simple. They are harmless and do not possess a stinger, making them suitable for beginners and children. A basic ant farm or a specially designed formicarium can serve as their habitat. Lasius niger ants are active and fascinating to observe, which is why they are a popular choice among ant-keeping enthusiasts.  

How to look after a Lasius Niger (Black Garden Ant Care at home)?

Lasius flavus - The Yellow Meadow Ant

Another type of ant commonly found in gardens is the Lasius flavus, which is also referred to as the yellow meadow ant. These ants construct small mounds in lawns and are often mistaken for red ants due to their yellow-orange colour. However, they are just as harmless as their black counterparts, known as Lasius niger. The Lasius flavus ants are skilled at building nests and can be found in fields and meadows where they create larger mounds. Unlike the Lasius niger ants, they mainly search for food below the ground and are not frequently seen unless their nests are disturbed or during their annual mating flights. Similar to the Lasius niger ants, the Lasius flavus ants feed on small insects and mites that accidentally enter their tunnels. Their diet consists of various insects such as flies, beetles, and larvae, as well as fruits and honeydew. If you're interested in keeping Lasius flavus ants as pets, you'll need to provide them with a suitable habitat like an ant farm or formicarium. These ants are relatively easy to care for and can offer ant enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into their hidden subterranean world.  How to look after a Lasius Flavus (Yellow Meadow Ant Farm at home)?

Myrmica rubra - The Red Ant

Myrmica rubra, also known as the fire ant or red ant, is a species that can be found in the United Kingdom. These ants are easily recognizable by their vibrant red colour and have the ability to deliver a mildly irritating sting. The colonies of Myrmica rubra ants are relatively small, consisting of around 100-300 members. However, it is not uncommon for a single colony to have multiple queens that lay eggs. Unlike Lasius ants, Myrmica rubra ants are more aggressive and tend to attack rather than flee from potential threats. They primarily feed on insects and have been observed to have a particular fondness for spiders. The behaviour and interactions within a Myrmica rubra colony are fascinating to observe. If you're interested in caring for Myrmica rubra ants, here are some tips to keep in mind.  Fire Ants: The Fascinating World of Myrmica Rubra - Red Ant

Formica rufa - The Wood Ant

Formica rufa, also known as the wood ant, is a common species that can be found in the UK. These ants are big and aggressive, and they are known for their biting and formic acid-spraying defence mechanisms. On the edges of forest clearings, they construct extensive mounds using pine needles and woodland debris. Formica rufa ants are remarkable due to the size of their colonies, with some having over 100,000 members. Since they have multiple queen colonies, a single large colony can have up to 100 queen ants, and the worker population can expand to 400,000 within a few years. Their diet is diverse, mainly consisting of insects and insect larvae. A large Formica rufa colony can gather up to 100,000 insects per day while foraging. Keeping Formica rufa ants as pets requires a spacious and suitable habitat because of their colony size and active behaviour. Ant enthusiasts can observe and appreciate the intricate social structure and foraging behaviours of these ants. However, it is important to note that they are not suitable for antkeeping unless provided with a properly ventilated ant farm. 

Other Species of Ants Found in the UK

Aside from the aforementioned species, there are several other types of ants found in the UK that can be kept as pets. Some of these species include:

Lasius fuliginosus: These ants are larger and faster compared to Lasius niger. They construct their nests by chewing up dead wood and mixing it with honeydew. They have the ability to take over nests of Lasius umbratus.

Formica fusca: These ants are timid in nature and prefer nesting under rotting logs. They have good eyesight but tend to flee rather than engage in fights. Their diet consists of insects, and their populations are usually less than 1000.

Formica sanguinea: This is the largest native British ant species, often referred to as slave-makers. They launch raids on colonies of Formica fusca and steal their brood to raise as their own.

Tetramorium caespitum: These small black ants with stinging abilities are commonly found along the coasts of Southern and Western England. They have a habit of burying their food in mounds of soil.

Each of these ant species possesses unique characteristics and behaviours, providing ant enthusiasts with a diverse range of options when it comes to keeping ants as pets.

Ants' Care

When it comes to keeping ants as pets, it is crucial to create a suitable living environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. This involves using ant farms or formicaria, which serve as controlled spaces for the ants to thrive and reside.

The ant farms should be spacious enough to accommodate the size of the ant colony, allowing ample room for activities like foraging, nesting, and expansion. It is essential to take into account the specific requirements of the ant species you are caring for, such as humidity levels, temperature, and preferences for substrate.

Feeding ants as pets involves offering them a diverse diet that aligns with their natural feeding habits. This may include insects, fruits, honeydew, and other food sources that are suitable for the particular ant species. Alternatively, you can opt for the Best Ants UK Protein Jelly - a top-notch jelly made from high-quality protein sources, packed with vital vitamins and minerals. This jelly provides essential nutrients to ensure your ants remain healthy and active. It is vital to conduct thorough research on the dietary needs of the specific ant species you have to guarantee their nutritional requirements are fulfilled.

Regular observation and monitoring of the ant colony are essential to ensure their well-being. This includes checking for signs of stress, disease, or overcrowding. Maintaining a clean and hygienic habitat is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain the overall health of the ant colony.

An important article you must read: Ant Farm Kits Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase

Why my ants do not want to move into the Ant Farm?

Non-suitable environment

Ants may be hesitant to move into an ant farm due to the absence of a suitable environment. Ants are naturally attracted to conditions that resemble their natural habitat. In order for an ant farm to be appealing to ants, it should provide the right temperature, humidity levels, and substrate, similar to what they would encounter in the wild. If these conditions are not met, ants may feel insecure or uncomfortable, and may not be willing to establish a new nest in the ant farm. It's important to note that no ant species builds nests in open spaces where the queen ant and colony brood are exposed to danger. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid ant farms that do not have a red filter and black cover included on the nest part.

Lack of food and water

Ants, like all living creatures, need a sufficient supply of food and water to survive. If the ant farm does not provide enough food and water, ants will be hesitant to inhabit it. It is important to offer a range of food choices that meet the dietary requirements of the specific ant species you want to attract. Additionally, ensure a continuous source of clean water is accessible within the ant farm. Without these vital resources, ants will have no motivation to abandon their current nest in search of a new dwelling. 

Please read this article for complete feeding information and food requirements: From Sugar to Insects: What Do Ants Eat  

Queen Ant problems

The presence and well-being of the Queen Ant are crucial in the formation of a new ant colony. If you happen to acquire a non-fertile queen ant at a lower cost, you may experience a prolonged period of frustration, wasted time, and dashed hopes. Queen ants have the important role of producing offspring and ensuring the overall health and stability of the colony. Without a queen, the ants will lack a leader and a future generation to sustain their existence within the ant farm. Wondering why your queen ant isn't laying eggs? Read this article to find out: Why Isn't My Queen Ant Laying Eggs? Understanding the Queen Ant's Role in an Ant Colony

Incompatibility with existing ant colonies

If you currently possess a preexisting ant colony and are endeavouring to introduce new ants to your ant farm, you will encounter compatibility problems. Ants are inherently territorial creatures, and when different ant colonies come into contact with one another, they may exhibit aggressive behaviours. It is crucial to note that attempting to "replace" the queen ant or incorporate workers from another colony into the existing one will result in fatal conflicts among the ants. 

How to make your ants move faster in the Ant Farm?

To begin, cover the test tube of the ant colony with aluminium foil and leave it undisturbed for the initial 10-14 days. After that, gradually slide out the test tube by 1mm each day. It's important to keep the ant setup in a location without vibrations, away from regular household activities, and at room temperature. Most ant species thrive in temperatures between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. The red acrylic filter should always remain on top of the nest, but you can remove it once a week for a few minutes to observe your colony more closely. The same applies to the black acrylic cover, which should be placed on top at all times. You may remove it for up to 5 minutes daily to observe your queen ant through the red filter. If you're having trouble getting your ants to move into their new nest, simply waiting for them to do so on their own may not always be effective. In such cases, using bright light can help, particularly with harvester ants. However, this method may not work for stubborn species like Lasius niger or Fire Ants. For black garden ants or Myrmica Rubra, a heat source such as a heating mat can be used to encourage them to move from the test tube setup into the new nest.  Make sure the heating mat's temperature is set to not more than 30 degrees Celsius or you might cook the ants alive.

CAUTION: This should only be considered as a final option if you lack the patience to wait. If not done correctly, it could potentially harm your Queen Ant. Please proceed with caution and take responsibility for any consequences that may arise. 

You will be thrilled by this article: The Ant Chronicles: 11 Mind-Blowing Facts about Live Queen Ants

Ant Farm Care & Maintenance

• Regular upkeep and care are essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your ant farm and its inhabitants. Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to ant farm maintenance:

• Cleaning: It is important to regularly clean the ant farm, removing any debris, mold, or waste. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the well-being of the ants.

• Moisture Control: Keep a close eye on the moisture levels in both the nest and foraging area. Provide access to water sources and make sure that the nest remains adequately moist.

• Temperature Regulation: Different ant species have different temperature requirements, so it is crucial to maintain a suitable temperature range for your ant farm. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments if necessary.

• Food Management: Keep track of the ants' food consumption and promptly remove any uneaten or spoiled food. Regularly provide fresh food to meet their nutritional needs.

• Nest Expansion: As your ant colony grows, it is important to consider expanding the nest to provide additional 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 overall health and well-being of your ant colony.

Ant Farm Accessories and Equipment

• Accessories and equipment for ant farms have the potential to improve both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your ant farm. Here are some commonly utilized accessories:

• Feeding Dishes: These small dishes are designed to provide ants with nourishment. They can be filled with sugar water, fruits, or protein-rich food.

• Water Tubes: Water tubes enable ants to easily access water. They can be filled with water and either placed in or attached to the foraging area.

• Magnifying Glasses: By using magnifying glasses, you can closely observe ants and appreciate the intricate details of their behaviour.

• Tools: Various tools, such as tweezers and brushes, come in handy for maintenance tasks like removing debris or adjusting the nest.

• Decorative Elements: To enhance the visual appeal of your ant farm, some ant keepers choose to add decorative elements like rocks, plants, or miniature structures.

• Heating Mats: The Heating Mat with Thermostat is ideal for ant farms and ant nests, particularly if you are keeping exotic or non-native ants in the UK!

• External Temperature and Humidity Meters are essential tools for ant keepers. These compact digital meters with external sensors can be easily placed in ant habitats or enclosures. By providing accurate readings of temperature and humidity levels, they help create the ideal environment for your ants. 

• You can purchase these accessories separately or find them included in ant farm kits, depending on the specific product.

Ant Feeding: Providing the Correct Nutrition

• Proper nutrition plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of your ant colony. Ants require a well-balanced diet that includes both protein and sugars. Here are some helpful tips for providing your ants with the right nutrition:

• Protein Sources: You can offer live insects like fruit flies, locusts, and crickets as a source of protein. Alternatively, you can use protein jellies 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 like Harvester ants, it's important to offer them a variety of seeds to forage and collect. Our Harvester Ants Food is a perfect blend of 17 different organic mite-free seeds that meet the dietary needs of your ants. It is suitable for any Harvester Ants, such as Messor Barbarus, Messor Capitatus, Messor Aciculatus, and many more.

• Ensure that your ants receive a balanced diet by offering them a variety of foods. You can experiment with different fruits like grapes or bananas, vegetables (excluding cucumbers), and other food sources such as cooked chicken, beef, or tuna to meet their nutritional needs.

• To maintain a clean and healthy environment for your ants, it is important to monitor their food consumption and remove any uneaten or spoiled food. It is recommended to discard any remaining food after two days as a best practice.

Ant Behaviour, Anatomy, and Ecology

• Exploring the captivating realm of ants offers valuable insights into their behaviour, anatomy, and ecology. Here are some essential aspects to delve into:

• Colony Structure: Ant colonies comprise different castes, such as the queen, workers, soldiers, and occasionally reproductive individuals. Each caste has distinct roles and responsibilities within the colony.

• Communication: Ants communicate using chemical signals known as pheromones. These signals enable them to coordinate tasks, mark trails, and identify fellow nestmates.

• Foraging Behavior: Ants display impressive foraging behaviour, often tracing scent trails to locate sources of food. They may also engage in specialized foraging activities such as seed collecting or honeydew farming.

• Social Organization: Ants possess intricate social structures that involve the division of labour and cooperation among colony members. Together, they ensure the colony's survival and growth.

• Ecological Interactions: Ants play vital roles in ecosystems by facilitating seed dispersal, aiding nutrient cycling, and contributing to pest control. Understanding their ecological interactions fosters a deeper appreciation for their significance in the natural world.

The Life Cycle of an Ant: from egg to adult

Like all insects, ants experience a process called metamorphosis, which consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The journey begins when a queen ant mates with a male and lays her initial eggs. The first worker ants are known as nanitics. These tiny, oval-shaped eggs are carefully cared for by the nanitics in the colony. Within a few weeks, the eggs hatch into larvae, which are legless and resemble small grubs.

Now, let's take a closer look at the stages of ants in the most common ant species in the UK - Lasius Niger (Black ants). The eggs hatch in approximately 21 to 28 days and transform into larvae. Within an additional 30-35 days, these larvae develop into adult ants. So, from a newly laid egg to an adult worker, it takes around 6-8 weeks. More specifically, the time frames are as follows: egg to larvae take approximately 10-12 days, larvae to pupae take around 10-14 days, and pupae to worker takes approximately 10-24 days (depending on temperature, with warmer temperatures resulting in faster development).

During the larval stage, ants experience rapid growth as they feed on the food provided by the worker ants. As they consume this nutritious diet, the larvae undergo several moults, shedding their old skin and increasing in size with each moult.

Find out more in our article: The Queen Ant Lifespan: A Closer Look into the Captivating Life Cycle of an Ant

The average lifespan of different ant species in the UK

In the United Kingdom, there are several types of ants that are frequently encountered. Each type of ant has its own distinct lifespan, which can vary greatly. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular ant species in the UK and the average amount of time they live:

1. Black Ants (Lasius niger): These small, black ants are commonly found throughout the UK and have an average lifespan for their queens of approximately 20-25 years. They are known for their ability to establish large colonies and can be found in gardens, lawns, and even inside homes. The longest recorded lifespan for a queen ant of this species is 28 years and 9 months, which was observed in laboratory conditions. This also happens to be the longest lifespan ever recorded for an insect.

2. Yellow Meadow Ants (Lasius Flavus): These ants are often found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa and are recognizable by their yellow coloration. The queen ant measures 7-9mm in length, while the males measure 3-4mm and the worker ants measure 2-4mm. Bringing home this captivating ant species allows you to witness the wonders of nature up close. The lifespan of a Lasius Flavus queen ant is typically up to 20 years, with an average lifespan of around 15 years.

3. Red Ants (Myrmica rubra): Red ants are commonly found in the UK, especially in grassy areas and woodlands. The queen red ant has an average lifespan of around 10 years, which is relatively long for a species. The lifespan of a Myrmica rubra queen ant is up to 3 years (typically about 2 years in captivity). We have maintained a colony of 2 queen fire ants for 3 years without hibernating them, so it's important not to believe everything you read online. Unlike other ants, Myrmica rubra does not hibernate. Fire ants require a constant supply of protein-rich food throughout the year. Simply moving the rubra's ant farm to a colder room during the winter months is sufficient. 

Other interesting ant species:

• Harvester Ants (Messor barbarus): Despite not being indigenous to the UK, harvester ants have become popular among ant enthusiasts. These larger ants have an average lifespan of 25-30 years for the queen and are well-regarded for their impressive foraging skills. They can search for food over distances of up to 200 meters.

• Camponotus Ants: Also known as carpenter ants, Camponotus ants are notable for their large size and ability to excavate wood. The queen of these ants typically lives for around 10 years, although some species can live even longer.

• Bullet Ants: While not native to the UK, bullet ants are worth mentioning due to their aggressive nature and venomous bites. They hold the unfortunate title of delivering the most excruciating sting among insects. The pain has been described by Schmidt as "pure, intense, brilliant pain. Like walking over flaming charcoal with a three-inch nail embedded in your heel." To make matters worse, the agony can last for up to 24 hours. Queen ants of this species have a lifespan of approximately 90 days.

• Leafcutter ants, specifically the species Atta and Acromyrmex, have fascinating lifespans. In their natural habitat, Atta cephalotes queens can live for over 20 years, while in captivity, their lifespan is typically around 10 years. The hardworking leafcutter workers, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of 1-2 years, provided that the conditions in the ant farm are favourable. 

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