Species guide

Iberian silky ant

A slender, long-legged species known for erratic, fast movement when foraging. Colonies are modest in size but active and entertaining to observe.

European carpenter ant, red wood ant relative

One of the most popular beginner species in Europe. Large polymorphic workers, fast-growing colonies, and a founding queen that claustrally raises her first brood without feeding. Native to warm, wooded areas of Central and Southern Europe.

Vagabond carpenter ant

A robust, all-black Camponotus species found in dry, sandy pine forests. Popular for its calm demeanor and manageable colony size, making it ideal for first-time keepers.

Acrobat ant

Recognisable by its distinctive heart-shaped abdomen, which workers raise acrobatically over the thorax when alarmed. Nests in dead wood in warm Mediterranean climates.

Red wood ant

Builder of the iconic large mound nests found in European forests. Legally protected in many countries, so captive colonies are usually the offspring of already-established captive lineages, not wild-caught.

Yellow meadow ant

Famous for forming the large meadow mounds seen across European grassland. Rarely surfaces, spending most of its life underground tending root aphids for honeydew.

Black garden ant

The quintessential garden ant of Europe. Founding queens are widely available every summer nuptial flight and colonies mature quickly, reaching thousands of workers within a few years.

Red harvester ant

A spectacular, highly polymorphic harvester ant famous for its dramatic size variation between minor and major workers, and its seed-milling behaviour. A favourite for its visual appeal.

Structor harvester ant

A smaller, hardier harvester ant native further north than M. barbarus, tolerating a brief winter diapause while retaining the classic Messor seed-harvesting behaviour.

European fire ant

A common European species with a potent sting (hence the name). Colonies can be polygynous, accepting multiple queens, which makes them an interesting intermediate-level project.

Trap-jaw ant

A tropical predatory ant with explosive trap-jaw mandibles used both for hunting and a defensive 'jump' to escape threats. A rewarding but demanding exotic species for experienced keepers.

Big-headed ant

A dimorphic Mediterranean species featuring distinct minor workers and large-headed soldiers. Colonies grow quickly and are known for aggressive foraging.

Red harvester ant (American)

A desert-adapted harvester ant capable of a serious, medically-notable sting. Long-lived queens and slow, steady colony growth make it a patient keeper's project.

Pavement ant

Named for its habit of nesting under pavement slabs in cities. Highly adaptable and tolerant of a wide temperature range, making it forgiving for beginners.