How to choose your first ant species?

Choosing your first species is probably the most important decision when starting out in myrmecology. A species ill-suited to your situation can discourage even the most motivated. Here is our methodology, in 5 criteria.

Criterion 1: technical difficulty

Species are ranked in 3 levels by the ant-keeping community:

• Beginner: simple claustral founding, no special requirements, forgives mistakes
• Intermediate: specific conditions (heat, humidity), slower or more complex growth
• Expert: parasitic founding, complex polygyny, tropical conditions, or rare-food needs

For a first colony: beginner level only. No Polyergus, no Atta, no Cataglyphis to start with.

Criterion 2: your climate

If you live in a northern or continental climate, favour temperate species that cope well with seasonal swings and hibernate naturally (Lasius, Formica, Myrmica). In a southern climate, you can also consider Mediterranean species (Messor, Pheidole).

Criterion 3: size and growth rate

Do you want to observe a modest colony (500 workers) or a large, spectacular one (10,000+)? This determines the gear to plan for and your long-term commitment.

• Modest colonies (500-2000): Formica fusca, Myrmica rubra, Aphaenogaster
• Medium colonies (3000-10000): Lasius niger, Crematogaster scutellaris
• Massive colonies (10000+): Tetramorium caespitum, Pheidole, Messor

Criterion 4: the behaviour you want

Are you after a particular behaviour to observe?

• Granivore (seed stores, no live insects) → Messor barbarus
• Polymorphism (different worker castes) → Pheidole pallidula, Messor, Camponotus
• Defensive behaviour (raised gaster, stings) → Crematogaster, Myrmica
• Cooperative hunting and tool use → Aphaenogaster subterranea

Criterion 5: the time you have

An ant colony needs little time but regularity. Count on 10-15 minutes a week to maintain a beginner colony. If your lifestyle is very irregular (frequent work travel), choose a hardy species that forgives the occasional lapse (Lasius, Messor).