Buying a colony is a long-term decision: queens can live for many years, and a good match between ant keeper and species is what makes the hobby enjoyable. These are the points that matter most.
1. Start with the species
Pick the species before the colony. Look at the difficulty, the temperature the ants need, whether they need a winter rest, how big the colony becomes and whether the species stings. The Ant Atlas lets you browse species by difficulty, origin and type, and every species page lists what is known and what is still being verified.
2. Queen, starter colony or established colony
- A queen alone is the most affordable and teaches you the early stages. It takes the longest before you see a working colony.
- A starter colony (a queen with workers and sometimes brood) is already active, which makes the first weeks easier to enjoy.
- An established colony has more workers and gives you quicker results, but it needs a larger nest and a foraging area from the start.
3. Check what the seller tells you
A good seller tells you the species, where the colony comes from, what it contains and how it is shipped. Ask:
- Is the species identified correctly, and from which region does the colony come?
- Does the colony include the queen, and how many workers?
- What does the species need in terms of temperature, nest and winter rest?
- Can the colony be sent to my country? Rules on keeping and moving ants differ between countries.
At ANTELYX, every species and every colony has an Ask ANTELYX button. You can ask before you decide, without going through checkout.
4. Think about your space and climate
A species that needs 28 °C all year is a different project from a species that thrives at room temperature. Tropical and giant species need more space and warmth. Cool-climate species need a place for a winter rest. See ant hibernation and winter rest.
5. Be honest about your experience
Choose a species at or slightly above your experience level. Beginners do well with Lasius niger or harvester ants. Advanced and expert species, such as Atta cephalotes or Myrmecia nigriceps, reward experience. See choosing your first ant species.
6. Plan for arrival
Before the colony arrives, prepare the nest, the outworld with an escape barrier, food and a thermometer. Read shipping live ant colonies so you know what to expect on the day. You can also read how ANTELYX orders work.
Frequently asked questions
How many workers should a starter colony have?
It varies by species and by what the seller offers. More workers means faster early growth, but a queen with a small group is easier to settle.
Is it better to buy a queen or a colony?
Neither is better. A queen costs less and teaches patience. A colony is more rewarding at the start.
What if I am not sure which species to choose?
Ask us. Tell us your experience, the space you have and the climate in your home, and we will suggest species that fit.
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.