{"title":"KEEPER FAVOURITES","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover our keeper favourites at Ants HQ! Explore popular ant keeping products, formicariums, accessories and essentials loved by fellow ant enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"lasius-niger-common-black-garden-ant","title":"Lasius Niger (Common Black Garden Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e (Common Black Garden Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCommon Black Garden Ant\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, slender, and highly active ant species that’s ideal for beginner ant keepers. Known for forming large colonies, this species is often discovered beneath paving slabs in gardens and parks, hence the common name, \u003cstrong\u003eGarden Ant. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for Beginners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to care for and fascinating to observe\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidespread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Common across urban and rural areas throughout the UK and Europe\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast recruitment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Efficient communication and teamwork help them quickly gather food and resources\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarmless \u0026amp; docile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-aggressive and safe to handle in contained environments\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the UK, \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most commonly seen ants, especially around sweet foods left outdoors. Their colonies can rapidly mobilise hundreds of workers to collect food or capture small prey, making them an excellent species for observing cooperative behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, these ants typically nest:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003eUnder stones and paving slabs\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003eIn crevices of sunlit, south-facing walls\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\t\u003cli\u003e\t\u003cp\u003eAround low-lying shrubs and plants\u003c\/p\u003e\t\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are particularly successful in urban environments, adapting well to man-made structures and disturbed ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn captivity\u003cem\u003e, Lasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e colonies grow steadily, especially after reaching around 20 workers. While active throughout the year, they benefit from a \u003cstrong\u003ehibernation period between December and March\u003c\/strong\u003e, which mirrors their natural cycle and supports long-term colony health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to their docile nature, small size, and resilience, they remain one of the most popular choices for new ant keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is illegal and strongly discouraged to release any non-native or captive ant species into the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148563657053,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen |1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148563689821,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 6-10 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148563722589,"sku":null,"price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 12-20 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148563755357,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen |30-40 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148563788125,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen |80-100 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148563820893,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Lasiusniger1.webp?v=1775931340"},{"product_id":"manica-rubida-giant-red-ant","title":"Manica Rubida (Giant Red Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eManica rubida \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(European Giant Red Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAre you looking for a fierce and aggresive European species of ant? Look no further. \u003cem\u003eManica rubida\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003eis a relatively large, bold, red ant. In comparison to a similar species, \u003cem\u003eMyrmica rubra, \u003c\/em\u003ethis variety triples them in size. Additionally, queens themselves will occasionally forage and take down live insects during the foundation stages of a young colony. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis large ant is typically associated with mountainous areas with high humidity and therefore, artifical nests should replicate this, especially within the nest area of your formicarium. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWorkers will actively forage in large numbers, often being able to take down live prey with ease due to their potent venom that is excreted from their posterior stinger. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, nests are often found amongst low lying vegetation under stones and decaying wood. Typically scattered throughout mountain ranges from the base to the peak. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are a rather aggresive species of ant that is suitable for slightly more experienced keepers due to their rather painful sting. However, in terms of keeping conditions, a well informed beginner could cater for them rather well.  In terms of growth they are quite fast to develop once the colony reaches 10 workers and over. Due to the nature of their natural environment, these ants are mainly active throughout the year but would benefit from a short period of hibernation from January - March. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564574557,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen |1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564607325,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 5-10 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":66236633383261,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 queens \u0026 brood (separate tubes)","offer_id":64148564640093,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Manicarubida1.webp?v=1775931391"},{"product_id":"messor-barbarus-european-harvester-ant","title":"Messor Barbarus (European Harvester Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessor barbarus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Harvester Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessor barbarus, a species of harvester ant, is commonly found throughout Central and Southern Europe. These ants have a mostly black body, with a red or brown head in queens and large major workers. Minor and media workers typically lack this red colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvester ants? Yes, these ants are true to their name! They form long, continuous lines of workers, sometimes stretching several meters, transporting plant seeds and husks from the collection site (A) back to their nest (B), usually working from dawn till dusk. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut here's where it gets even more fascinating: the collected seeds aren’t just stored. To make them useful for the colony, media workers remove the pulp from the husk, chew it, and combine it with their saliva and enzymes to create a substance known as \"ant bread.\" This is then fed to the colony's larvae!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, these ants build nests among low-lying shrubs, ground plants, and undisturbed areas, often near olive trees, at the base of mountain ranges, or in fields on the outskirts of cities where vegetation is plentiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessor barbarus is a generally docile species, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The colony grows quickly once it reaches 20 workers or more. While they are active year-round, these ants would benefit from a short hibernation period, typically from January to March, to mimic their natural environment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColonies should be kept between 19-28C and a humidity level between 40-70% (depending on nesting areas). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564672861,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen","offer_id":64148564705629,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 red head queen | 5-8 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564738397,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 red headed queen","offer_id":64148564771165,"sku":null,"price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 bicoloured queen","offer_id":64148564803933,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 red head queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564836701,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 bicoloured queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564869469,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564902237,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 red head queen | 1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564935005,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 5-8 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564967773,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 12-18 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148565000541,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 25-30 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148565033309,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 40-50 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148565066077,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Messorbarbarus1.webp?v=1775931409"},{"product_id":"featherweight-forceps","title":"Featherweight Forceps","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatherweight forceps \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable for holding any species of ant or small invertebrate. 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