Ant Farms

There is a long history of keeping ants in captivity for observational purposes and to study The Ant Life Cycle. Care and maintenance must be given to provide adequate food, keep temperature and humidity within acceptable range and to prevent ants from escaping. Often referred to as Ant Farms, ant observation containers may serve several purposes:

Observation nests

Often a vertical or horizontal view of an ant colony. Several Ant Farm kits are available for sale to the public and ants may or may not be included. Without a queen present, the colony will slowly decline and not exhibit normal behavior.

Nests for scientific study

Close up viewing through a microscope or camera to document ant behavior. Often ants are marked with colored paint and individual behavior is observed.

Museum exhibits

Nests designed for public exhibits in museums or academic buildings. These tend to be large displays with aesthetic appeal to the general public. Often there is educational text and photos included with the display.

Ant Farms for Children and Adults

There are many different types of ant farms for the education of children and adults. Ant farms are useful for teachers and parents as a learning tool. Without making specific recommendations, we encourage you to check out the following features when purchasing an ant farm. 1) Reusable: can it be cleaned out are reused if the workers die out or the farm gets moldy? 2) Is there a manual for the care and tending of ants? 3) Is there a way to add water without excessive moisture? 4) Is there help and support from a website?