Ant Species Spotlight: Top 5 Most Common Ants for Ant Farms

Lasius Niger (Black Garden Ant)

Habitat: Lasius Niger thrives in a moderately humid environment, with a gradient of 40-70% humidity. They prefer temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Diet: These ants are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of sugars and proteins. Feed them honey, sugar water, or fruit, as well as insects such as fruit flies, crickets, or mealworms.
Care: Lasius Niger colonies grow relatively fast, so be prepared to expand their habitat as the colony grows. They are an excellent choice for beginners due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements.

Camponotus (Carpenter Ants)

Habitat: Carpenter ants prefer a humidity gradient of 30-70% and temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). Some species may require a dry nesting area with higher humidity in the foraging area.
Diet: Camponotus ants are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of sugars and proteins. Provide them with honey or sugar water, fruit, and insects like crickets or mealworms.
Care: These ants can be slow-growing, so patience is key. Carpenter ants can be more challenging to care for due to their specific nesting preferences, making them better suited for intermediate ant keepers.

Pogonomyrmex (Harvester Ants)

Habitat: Harvester ants prefer a humidity gradient of 30-50% and temperatures between 22-30°C (72-86°F). They require a larger foraging area with a sandy substrate, as they are known for their seed-harvesting behaviors.
Diet: Primarily granivorous, Harvester ants feed on seeds, but they also need a supplementary diet of proteins from insects like crickets and mealworms. They enjoy sweet substances like honey and fruits as well.
Care: Pogonomyrmex ants can be more aggressive and possess a painful sting, so they are better suited for experienced ant keepers. Extra precautions should be taken to prevent escapes.

Solenopsis (Fire Ants)

Habitat: Fire ants require a humidity gradient of 40-70% and temperatures between 24-30°C (75-86°F). These ants prefer a soil-like substrate to replicate their natural tunneling behavior.
Diet: Omnivorous, Fire ants require a diet of sugars, such as honey or fruit, and proteins from insects like crickets or mealworms.
Care: Fire ants are aggressive and can sting, making them a challenging species to keep. It's essential to have escape-proof enclosures and handle them with care.

Myrmica (Red Ants)

Habitat: Myrmica ants thrive in a humidity gradient of 50-80% and temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). These ants prefer a naturalistic setup with soil or a clay-like substrate.
Diet: Red ants are omnivorous and require a diet of sugars and proteins. Feed them honey, sugar water, fruit, and insects such as fruit flies, crickets, or mealworms.
Care: Myrmica ants can be slightly more challenging to keep due to their higher humidity requirements. They are known for their cooperative behavior, making them an interesting species to observe.