Ants
Formica fusca (queen, 0-5 workers, eggs)
$30.00
Only 3 left!
Formica fusca is a widespread European ant species admired for its silky dark brown to black coloration and resilient nature. Known for their adaptability, these ants prefer nesting in soil, under stones, or decaying wood in open forests and meadows. Their calm temperament and strong foraging instincts make them a great introduction to ant-keeping, being easy to care for and fascinating to observe as they develop their colonies.
- Size: Queen: 8-10 mm, Workers: 4-7 mm
- Shipping: Available to all locations in Canada except during the winter period.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: If the ant colony arrives dead or in bad condition, please contact us for assistance.
3 in stock
Secure checkout
Pickup in Calgary
Real humans, fast replies
Frequently bought together
A home for your colony plus an essential
3 items selected
$101.50
Ships within Canada onlyLive ants cannot cross the border
Live arrival guaranteePacked with care, tracked
Have a question about this item?
Ask us
About this product
Species Info:
- General:
Formica fusca, commonly known as the “common black ant,” is a hardy and resilient species found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Queens and workers are sleek black or dark brown in coloration with a subtle metallic sheen. They are known for their cautious but fast movements and their ability to defend themselves by spraying formic acid when threatened. Formica fusca is an excellent choice for beginners due to its adaptability and relatively peaceful nature. - Diet:
Omnivorous with a strong preference for liquid sugars like honey water and sugar water. Protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, crickets, mealworms) are crucial for brood development. Regular and varied feeding ensures healthier and faster-growing colonies. - Temperature:
Although Formica fusca can survive in a wide range of conditions, they thrive best with supplemental heat, ideally kept between 72–82°F (22–28°C). Natural ambient room temperatures are usually sufficient, but adding heat can significantly speed up brood development. - Diapause:
This species requires a winter diapause of about 3-4 months at temperatures around 39–45°F (4–7°C). Diapause can be safely achieved using a wine cooler, mini fridge, or other stable cool environments. Gradual cooling is recommended to mimic natural seasonal changes. - Growth:
Brood development typically takes 6–8 weeks from egg to worker depending on temperature and nutrition. Colonies tend to grow slowly in the first year, usually reaching 50–100 workers, but will steadily expand to several hundred over time with optimal care. Formica fusca is a long-lived species, with queens often surviving 10–15 years under proper conditions.
Complete your setup
Frequently bought together
Total for selected items
$101.50
3 items selected
Untick anything you already have.
Keeper essentials
Accessories you will actually use
Feeders, tools and escape barrier. Small things that keep your colony happy.
Go bigger
Upgrade your setup
-
Modular Farm 2XL kit - Brown
$110.00Options -
Modular Farm 3XL kit - Green
$150.00Options -
Nutrition
Food your ants will love
Protein, sugar and feeders for strong colony growth.
Ordering is easy
- Order onlineAdd items to your cart and check out in a minute.
- We confirmA real person checks your order and gets it ready.
- Ship or pick upShipping across Canada and to the USA, or pickup in Calgary.
- Enjoy your colonyNeed help after? We answer on WhatsApp.
Google reviews
What our customers say
Keep exploring
