Live ants, formicariums and starter kits

Why keep ants?

Ants may well be the most fascinating insects to observe. Behind every colony lies an organised society, complex behaviours and a life cycle that unfolds over several years. Watching the queen lay her first eggs, following the brood emerge, seeing workers head out to forage or tend the larvae. It's a rare window onto the living world!

Keeping ants doesn't require much space. A foundation fits in a test tube, a young colony in a small compact formicarium. They can easily be left at home while you're away on holiday. It's a hobby anyone can enjoy, suited to children and adults alike, whether for education or simple curiosity.

Every species has its own character: Messor are cautious but make their "bread" from seeds, Camponotus impress with their sheer size, Pheidole pour out in numbers the moment one spots food. Hundreds of species are kept in captivity, from the easiest (low maintenance) to the most demanding for advanced keepers. At Esprit Fourmis you'll find mated queens, established colonies and all the gear: formicariums, complete starter kits and accessories.