Step into the ant rainforest

Search care sheets, track nuptial flights, and learn from other keepers in one calm, green place.

Beginner species No diapause Tropical

Keeper’s note

Ants are not just “bugs in a box” here. This guide focuses on real colony needs: temperature, humidity, founding style, diapause, and long term setups, not just how to keep a queen alive for a week.

Start with a forgiving beginner species, then move toward the escape artists and stingers once you have solid routines.

Popular species

Black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)

Medium · Temperate · Requires diapause

Silky field ant (Formica fusca)

Medium · Temperate · Requires diapause

Black garden ant (Lasius niger)

Easy · Temperate · Requires diapause

Barbarian harvester ant (Messor barbarus)

Medium · Mediterranean · Light diapause

Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)

Hard · Tropical · No diapause

Pavement ant (Tetramorium immigrans)

Easy · Temperate · Requires diapause

Where to start

New to ants?

Start with forgiving species that tolerate mistakes, mild heat swings, and simple setups.

See beginner species
No diapause, no fridge

Tropical and subtropical species that do not need a cold rest, perfect for small apartments.

Browse warm species
Already hooked?

Narrow your next colony by region, founding mode, or difficulty and build a small collection the right way.

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Recent nuptial flights

  • Black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) at Pyramid Lake July 13, 2050
  • Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) at Suburban lawn after rain Dec. 13, 2025
  • Black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) at Rotting log near trail Dec. 13, 2025
  • Silky field ant (Formica fusca) at Forest clearing Dec. 13, 2025
  • Black garden ant (Lasius niger) at Backyard light trap Dec. 13, 2025
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