When beginning your ant-keeping journey, it's important to understand that certain ant species cannot be shipped or sold across state or country borders due to APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) regulations. These rules help protect ecosystems from potential harm caused by invasive species or pests that could disrupt local environments. At Antlantis, we strictly adhere to these regulations, ensuring that we only offer species that can be legally and safely sold and transported. As a result, some popular or exotic species may not be available on our site, as we prioritize both environmental responsibility and legal compliance.

We prioritize the well-being of our ants during transit by using specialized packaging designed to maintain optimal climate conditions. Each order is shipped in temperature-controlled containers with secure ventilation to replicate room temperatures that way your order can reach you no matter the location, this is all done using heat packs and ice packs. Additionally, we provide tracking information for all shipments, allowing you to monitor your order every step of the way. Standard delivery typically takes 2–3 days, with expedited options available for faster arrival. For more details, please visit our Shipping Policy page.

We are committed to the health and vitality of our ants. If your ants arrive in poor condition, our Healthy Arrival Guarantee ensures that we will either replace them or issue a full refund. Furthermore, we offer a Two-Week Success Assurance for all colony purchases. Should your colony face challenges within the first two weeks due to natural factors, we will provide a replacement to support your ant-keeping journey. Please refer to our Guarantee Policy under our Return Policy for more information.

Since ants are living organisms, we cannot accept returns or exchanges. However, your satisfaction is our top priority. If you encounter any issues with your order, please contact our customer service team, and we will work to resolve the problem by offering replacements or refunds when appropriate. For further assistance, consult our Refund Policy.

Unlike other pets in the pet trade, breeding ant queens in a lab setting is extremely challenging. As a result, our team at Antlantis dedicates thousands of hours each year to venturing into the field, carefully handpicking queens, and raising them into thriving colonies to offer to customers like you!

Collecting ants is much like farming—each species has a specific time of year when they are most abundant due to their nuptial flights. This seasonality makes it difficult for us to have certain species available year-round. However, our goal is to ensure that as many species as possible remain in stock throughout the year!

We offer a wide range of ant species to cater to enthusiasts of all levels.

Each species comes with detailed descriptions outlining their unique behaviors, habitat needs, and care requirements to help you make an informed choice.

Choosing the right ant species requires considering several factors, including your experience level, available space, desired colony size, and specific environmental needs. Keep the following in mind when making your selection:

• Beginner vs. Advanced Species
• Space and Habitat Needs
• Growth Potential and Colony Size
• Temperature and Humidity Preferences

Our expert team is readily available to assist you in selecting the right ant species based on your experience level, habitat setup, and colony goals. Each product listing includes comprehensive details on species behavior, care requirements, and environmental needs to help you make an informed decision. If you need further guidance, our team is happy to provide personalized recommendations. For more in-depth information regarding the ants we have available, visit our Care Resources page.

When you purchase an ant colony from us, you receive:

• Queen Ant: The cornerstone of your new colony.
• Worker Ants: Essential for building and maintaining the colony.
• Brood: Includes eggs, larvae, and pupae to ensure colony growth.
• Comprehensive Care Instructions: Detailed guidelines to help you establish and nurture your ant farm.

Please note that we prioritize selling established colonies rather than individual queens to increase the likelihood of long-term success for our customers. To support your ant-keeping experience, we also offer a range of essential supplies, including fluon barriers, nectar, feeder insects, and specialized enclosures. These items can be purchased separately or as part of bundled starter kits for added convenience. For more in-depth information, visit our Care Resources page.

Yes! Creating a suitable environment is essential for the long-term health and success of your ant colony. Since different species have unique habitat requirements, selecting the right formicarium or ant farm is a crucial step in ant-keeping. Our comprehensive care guides provide detailed recommendations on suitable enclosures, including high-quality setups from trusted vendors like Tarheel Ants and our in-house Tub’n Tube setups. These habitats are specifically designed to meet the varying needs of different ant species, ensuring they have the proper space, moisture levels, and structure to support their natural behaviors.

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is key to your colony’s well-being. This includes proper ventilation, moisture control, and space management to allow for colony expansion and prevent issues such as mold or dehydration. Choosing the right habitat also helps regulate temperature and humidity, both of which are vital for egg development and overall colony health.

To further support you in your ant-keeping journey, we provide detailed care guides with every purchase, covering essential topics such as nest setup, feeding, and maintenance. Additionally, our dedicated support team is always available to answer any questions, provide troubleshooting assistance, and offer expert guidance to help you create the ideal environment for your ants to thrive. For more in-depth information, visit our Care Resources page.

We strictly adhere to all APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) regulations to ensure the legal and responsible distribution of ants. Our shipments are limited to states where the species are legally permitted and naturally occurring, in compliance with federal and state laws designed to protect local ecosystems from invasive species.

If an order includes a species not permitted in your state, it will be automatically canceled and refunded, minus a 5% restocking fee as per our policy. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing restricted orders. To avoid any issues with your purchase, we strongly recommend reviewing our APHIS Compliance, which provides detailed information on shipping restrictions and legal requirements. Ensuring compliance helps protect native wildlife while allowing enthusiasts to enjoy ant-keeping responsibly.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition for Your New Ants

To help your ants adjust to their new environment successfully, follow these steps upon delivery:

1. Carefully Unpack – Gently remove the ants from their packaging to minimize stress. Handle with care to avoid sudden movements or temperature fluctuations.
2. Allow Them to Settle – Let the ants rest undisturbed for at least 30 minutes after arrival to help them recover from transit stress.
3. Set Up Their New Home – Once settled, transfer the ants to their designated formicarium or ant nest, ensuring the habitat is properly prepared in advance.
4. Follow the Provided Care Instructions – Adhere to the detailed care guidelines included with your purchase to maintain optimal living conditions.
5. Monitor Environmental Factors – Check that temperature, humidity, and lighting are appropriate for your specific ant species, adjusting as needed.
6. Minimize Disturbances – Allow your ants to acclimate with minimal handling, as excessive disturbances can stress the colony and hinder their adjustment.

Proper initial setup is crucial for the long-term health and success of your colony. We provide comprehensive care guides with every purchase, and our support team is always available to assist with any questions or challenges.

For more detailed guidance, visit our Care Resources page.