Messor structor Care Guide: The European Harvester Ant
Messor structor care guide: seeds, nest, temperature, winter rest and colony growth for this polygynous European harvester ant, with identification notes.
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Ant Keeping Guide
Everything a new or experienced ant keeper needs to know, from choosing a species to caring for a growing colony.
Each topic below leads to the most relevant species information and guides.
Topics
Ant Care
Starting out, queens and feeding.
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Ant Husbandry
Nests, temperature, humidity, winter rest and colony growth.
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Buying Guides
Choosing a species and a colony, orders and shipping.
Read buying guides →
Species Guides
Care guides for individual species and groups of ants.
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European Ant Keeping
Native species, climate and practical tips for Europe.
Read about European ants →
Advanced Ant Keeping
Demanding species and the next step after a first colony.
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How to Start a Colony
A step-by-step guide to your first colony.
Start here →
Common Problems
Recognising and solving common issues.
Read care questions
Ant Atlas
Species profiles with origin, difficulty and care.
Explore the Ant Atlas →
Latest articles
Recent writing from the ANTELYX blog.
Myrmecocystus mexicanus Care Guide: The Mexican Honeypot Ant
Myrmecocystus mexicanus care guide: deep nest, warmth, nocturnal habits, feeding the repletes and what to expect from the Mexican honeypot ant.
Myrmecia nigriceps Care Guide: The Black-Headed Bull Ant
Myrmecia nigriceps care guide: what experienced ant keepers need to know about the black-headed bull ant: sting, escape risk, nest, feeding and activity.
Ready to choose a species?
Use what you have learned to explore the Ant Atlas, or try the Ant Finder for suggestions.