Ant colonies do not grow in a straight line. They start slowly, accelerate and eventually mature. Understanding the stages helps you set up the right nest at the right time.
The life cycle of an ant
Every ant develops through four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larva is a small, legless grub that needs feeding. Many species spin a cocoon for the pupal stage, and the workers carry eggs, larvae and pupae to the best spot in the nest. How long each stage takes depends on the species and above all on temperature.
Stage 1: founding
A queen founds a colony alone in a sealed chamber (claustral founding). She lays eggs and raises the first workers from her own reserves. In Lasius niger, the eggs of a founding queen develop into the first workers in roughly 8 to 10 weeks. In Myrmecocystus mexicanus, the first workers emerge about 63 days after the eggs are laid. In Messor barbarus, a ant-keeping source reports 8 to 18 weeks depending on temperature.
Stage 2: the first workers
The first workers are small compared with later generations. They open the nest, forage and feed the queen, and once there is food, the queen can lay more eggs. The colony is fragile at this stage, so keep the setup simple and the feeding regular.
Stage 3: growth
Once the workforce is bigger, growth speeds up: more workers means more food, which means more brood. In a hardy species a colony can reach several thousand workers over a few years. Many species also make larger workers as the colony grows, so you will see the size of the ants change.
Stage 4: maturity
A mature colony is large and stable. Typical figures from the sources we use are about 4,000 to 7,000 workers for Lasius niger, about 10,000 for Messor barbarus and several million for Atta cephalotes in nature. Mature colonies of many species also produce winged queens and males for the mating flights.
Plan the setup around the stage
- Founding: a test tube, quiet and dark.
- First workers: connect an outworld with a barrier and begin feeding.
- Growth: move to a larger nest when the current one is crowded. See ant nest setup.
- Maturity: a larger outworld and a stable routine, including a winter rest for cool-climate species.
Frequently asked questions
How long until I have a big colony?
It depends on the species. A hardy species may need a few years to reach thousands of workers, and slow tropical species take much longer.
Why is my colony not growing?
Check the temperature, the food (especially protein) and whether the colony is resting for winter. Avoid disturbing it.
Do all colonies get queens and males?
Mature colonies of many species produce winged reproductives, but captive colonies do not always do so.
Not sure which colony is right for you?
Tell us about your experience, your space and the climate at home, and we will suggest species that fit. You can also explore the Ant Atlas or browse the shop.