Amazing fact: some ant queens can live almost 30 years! The Lasius niger queen can live up to 28 years, and Messor barbarus queens live between 20-25 years. These two species are perfect choices to start your first ant farm.

Black garden ants (Lasius niger) are great starter pets. They don't sting or bite, which makes them safe for kids and newcomers to ant keeping. Their colonies can grow huge with more than 10,000 workers, and you can watch them build amazing structures if keep them in a natural bioactive ant farm.

Messor barbarus ants bring something different to the table. These busy harvester ants build massive colonies of 5,000 to 15,000 members. They show fascinating behaviour as they gather seeds from spots up to 200 metres away from their nest. If you're fortunate enough to witness a harvester ants trail in the wild, you'll be amazed by their impeccable marching and incredible teamwork!

Both species have their charm - Lasius niger's easy-going nature and Messor barbarus's impressive foraging skills. Your first ant farm needs the right species that matches your interests. Let's help you pick the perfect ant colony that fits your style.

Species Characteristics: Messor barbarus vs Lasius niger

The first striking difference between these two popular ant species lies in their appearance. Messor barbarus shows remarkable polymorphism with workers ranging from 3mm to 15mm. These ants have distinctive redheads that stand out against their black bodies. The species has three main worker sizes: minors (3-7mm) take care of the brood, medium workers (6-10mm) process food and make ant bread, and majors (up to 15mm) defend the colony. Their queen grows to an impressive 12-15mm.

Lasius niger is nowhere near as varied in size. Workers are between 3-5mm, and their queen reaches just 9mm. Their solid black colour makes them easy to spot.

Messor barbarus runs on Mediterranean climates where they rule the plains with their long foraging trails. These ants prefer warm, dry environments that help preserve seeds. They search for food as far as 200 metres from their nest entrance.

Lasius niger adapts remarkably well to environments of all types. You'll find them across Europe, parts of North America and Asia. These ants build their nests underground but often settle under sun-warmed stones and rocks.

These species forage very differently. Messor barbarus collects seeds and stores them in special chambers called granaries. They keep these areas dry and dark to stop seeds from sprouting. Lasius niger, however, loves sweet foods—they eagerly eat honey, fruit, sugar water, and nectar.

The colony structures tell different stories too. Messor barbarus builds massive colonies with 5,000-15,000 members. Their complex nests have countless galleries and connected chambers that can reach 5m deep or spread across 25m².

Lasius niger keeps their colonies smaller with just a few thousand workers. Their nests might not be as complex but have well-organised spaces for raising young and storing food.

These ants live surprisingly long lives. Messor barbarus queens can survive 20-25 years. Their workers usually live 1-2 years, with bigger workers lasting longer.

Lasius niger queens hold a special record as one of the longest-living insects. Scientists have seen them live up to 28 years and 9 months in labs. Their workers typically survive 1-2 years.

Both species need winter rest (hibernation) but on different schedules. Messor barbarus hibernates at 13-15°C from late December through early March. Lasius niger needs cooler temperatures of 8-10°C and hibernates longer, from late October until late March, sometimes mid-April.

Habitat Requirements for Beginner Ant Farms

The success of ant-keeping depends on creating the right habitat. Each species needs its own mix of temperature, humidity, and space to thrive.

Temperature and Humidity Needs Compared

Messor barbarus runs in warm environments that match their Mediterranean roots. These ants need nest temperatures of 21-26°C, while their foraging area works best at 25-30°C. A temperature gradient lets them pick the spot they like best so heat just 1/4 of the nest.

Lasius niger shows more flexibility with temperature. They do well with nest temperatures of 20-24°C and foraging areas between 18-28°C. Both species need cooler spots during hibernation. Messor barbarus does fine at 15°C, while Lasius niger likes it cooler at 8-10°C.

These ants just need different moisture zones. Messor barbarus's nest area should stay at 65-70% humidity so their brood develops well, but their arena only needs around 50% (the average household temperature in a UK home). This setup helps them store seeds without sprouting. Lasius niger likes higher humidity conditions - 75-80% humidity in the nest and 50% in foraging areas.

We recommend our Advanced Heating System for Ant Farms as this is a top-notch heating complete system that guarantees super precise control of your ants' habitat, providing an environment where they can flourish.

Nest Design Priorities for Each Species

Messor barbarus's nest must have two distinct areas: a slightly damp section for raising brood and a dry spot for seed storage. This setup keeps their grain stores mould-free. Their strong jaws can chew through soft materials like Plaster of Paris, so they need tougher nest materials.

PLA or acrylic nest with moisture-absorbing infill material works great for Messor barbarus because it handles moisture well and stays clear. A sand-loam mix that feels like its natural home makes the best substrate.

Lasius niger adapts to many nest designs easily. They build flat, disc-shaped chambers with connecting tunnels. Plaster nests work perfectly since these ants can't damage this material.

AVOID using aerated concrete (Ytong) and concrete ant farms (commonly sourced from China), as they can emit toxic gases when exposed to moisture, which is unavoidable.

Messor barbarus vs Lasius niger? What ants for first-time ant-keeper? Keep reading to find out.

Space Requirements: How Much Room Do They Need?

New ant-keepers can start both species in small-sized setups. Messor barbarus colonies need size "S" formicaria, which gives them enough room for 1-2 years. Both nest and arena areas must grow as the colony gets bigger.

Lasius niger starts smaller - a 7cm x 7cm nest area works for about 2-3 years. We added connected outworlds as colonies grew bigger.

Maintenance Difficulty: Time Investment Analysis

Messor barbarus needs moderate attention:

Keep giving them organic seed mix as the main food
Keep dry chambers ready for seed storage
Watch their outworld clean to prevent contamination

Lasius niger is easier to manage:

Ant nectar and protein jelly are their main food, so more food types to handle
They don't change nests much
Their small size means fewer escape worries

Lasius niger takes less time to care for, but Messor barbarus gives you the sort of thing I love - watching their harvesting behaviour.

Feeding and Care: A Practical Comparison

The right nutrition and care are the foundations of a healthy ant colony. Messor barbarus and Lasius niger have different needs that affect how suitable they are for beginners.

Dietary Requirements: Seeds vs Sugar and Protein

Messor barbarus runs on seeds, which they turn into "ant bread" to feed the colony. These ants rarely look for sugar, as they get their carbohydrates from processing grains. Their diet has:

Grains and seeds (main food source)
Sweet fruits like grapes or apples (extra food)
Freshly killed insects or even better - our Cricket mash(occasional protein source)

Lasius niger runs on sweet foods and needs protein regularly. Their priorities are:

Ant nectar, Ant honey or fruits (needed for carbohydrates)
Insects like mealworms, fruit flies, and baby crickets or the better and cheaper solution - our Cricket mash (protein helps brood grow)

New ant keepers should know that Lasius niger needs more varied food, while Messor barbarus can live almost only on seeds. In any scenario, you must provide your ants with the nutrition they need, including vital vitamins and minerals. Our protein jelly is easy to digest and provides a long-lasting source of energy. With a sweet and fine chocolate taste, your ants will love this delicious treat. Order now and give your ant colony the nutrition boost they need.

Watering Needs and Hydration Methods

Messor barbarus gets most moisture from grains, so they need less direct water. These ants still need water sources, but you must watch their hydration carefully. They often fall into open water and might drown. Therefore, cover water sources with small stones or cotton wool. Do not be surprised if your messors cover their water source with dirt or sand from the outworld, this is simply to prevent water leaks, harvester ants do not like open water.

Lasius niger needs steady water access but shows more care around water. Both species need proper hydration through:

Test tube setups with cotton barriers separating water
Water towers that have perforated lids
Humidity chambers with wet sponges

Hibernation Requirements: Essential or Optional?

Both ant species need hibernation periods differently. Messor barbarus hibernates from November to February at about 15°C. These ants just slow down instead of stopping completely during this time, unlike Lasius niger.

Lasius niger needs deeper hibernation from October to March at 8-12°C. The colony's lifespan and growth slow down without proper hibernation.

It is important to lower the temperature gradually, first when you put your ants in hibernation and afterwards when you take them out of hibernation. We recommend 0.2-0.3 degrees Celsius daily. The lower the better. If you decide to listen to some people and put your ant farm into your fridge make sure the temperature is not below 15 degrees Celsius so check it with an accurate thermometer first.

The hibernation is not a must! If you do not have the necessary skills or equipment to hibernate your ants, just do your best and move your ant farm to a colder room at least. If you do not have a colder area in your home, then just leave the ants where they are. Bear in mind that they will hibernate in any scenario no matter the environment temperature. They will become more clumsy and not so active during this winter period so feed them once every month or so. Just make sure they have a freshwater supply all the time.

Stress Factors and How to Minimise Them

Messor barbarus's sensitivity to vibrations and daylight has earned them the nickname "stressor barbarus". The queen ant might die if you don't manage this sensitivity well. You can reduce stress by:

Keeping colonies in quiet spots away from house activity
Making sure light conditions stay steady
Not disturbing the nest too often

Lasius niger handles disturbance better but still does best with minimal interference. The best ant farm experience comes from giving both species stable conditions with the correct food, water, and suitable habitats. These factors are crucial for colony health.

Setting Up Your First Ant Farm: Species-Specific Guide

Choosing the right equipment for your first formicarium is crucial when you start keeping ants. Your setup requirements will vary substantially between Messor barbarus and Lasius niger colonies.

Best Ant Farm Kits for Each Species

No matter the ant species you intend to start with, for small colonies you must begin with a small ant farm.

Larger Messor barbarus colonies do best in medium-sized formicaria. These harvester ants need specialised setups with a couple of separate areas - a few different humidity levels damp spaces for brood development and 2-3 drier areas to store seeds and make the ant bread. Plaster or sand substrate nest material works great for this species because it resists moisture damage and lets you see the ants clearly.

Lasius niger runs on sizes small to medium formicaria, depending on the colony size, of course. These garden ants thrive in sand-loam mixtures. You can use sand loam substrate or gypsum as suitable nest materials.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Here's how to prepare your formicarium:

Moisture the ant nest (add water slowly in small amounts). Let the water soak in before you connect any components
Add light-coloured sand substrate about half an inch (1.25cm) deep to the outworld
Decorate the outworld
Attach the watering station
Read the complete guide (or watch the video instructions) on How to set up your live queen ant farm.

Your colony should have 10-20 workers before you move them in. Test tube connectivity helps ants move naturally between habitats during this transition.

Essential Accessories and Equipment

You'll need these items:

Digital temperature and humidity metres to monitor nest conditions
Heating mats with thermostats to maintain the right temperature
Escape prevention barriers (PTFE fluon) applied about 2.5cm wide along container edges
Water stations or test tubes with cotton plugs for safe drinking

Cost Comparison: Original Investment and Ongoing Expenses

Simple starter setups cost between £49-£69, while premium or custom setups range from £79-£179). Complete starter kits with Messor barbarus colonies cost £76-£145. Lasius niger starter kits are cheaper at £62-£89.

Monthly costs stay low at £1.50-£5 for food and supplies. Messor barbarus might save you money long-term since their seed diet costs less than Lasius niger's varied protein needs.

Where to put the Ant Farm?

Long story short:

- avoid places near windows or heaters/radiators

- avoid vibrating surfaces or places near music equipment

- avoid places near noisy machines or electrical appliances

- avoid rooms with strong odours like kitchen

Educational Value and Observation Experience

Messor barbarus in Best Ants UK ant farm kit

Messor barbarus and Lasius niger are a great way to get educational experiences. These species make perfect candidates for the best ant farm setups that balance learning value with easy care needs.

Visible Behaviours and Activities

The sort of thing we love about Messor barbarus colonies is their complex seed-processing activities. These harvester ants work together with amazing coordination. They collect, move, and turn seeds into "ant bread" - a nutritious paste that worker ants make by sitting in circles and chewing seeds together. They also show remarkable organisational skills and carefully sort seeds by size and shape in their storage areas.

Lasius niger stands out in the way it marks territory and finds food. These garden ants change the soil pH around them. They raise the pH in acidic soils and lower it in alkaline environments. Each species handles waste in its own way. Messor barbarus builds special waste chambers called dump sites, usually somewhere in the outworld, and Lasius niger keeps waste areas near the edges of their outworld.

Learning Opportunities for Children

Ant farms work like living laboratories for kids. Each species teaches something unique. On another hand, all ants teach teamwork, which is the most important skill every little fellow must have these days. Children who are six or older can watch and learn from ant colonies safely with proper guidance. Messor barbarus colonies teach kids about:

Food storage and agricultural principles
Caste systems and division of labour
Architectural design and construction

Lasius niger colonies help children understand:

Chemical communication systems
Adaptation to environmental changes
Resource management strategies

Photography and Documentation Potential

harvester ants messor barbarus eat baby cricket

Messor barbarus workers offer an incredible range of sizes, from tiny 3mm minors to impressive 15mm majors, providing fantastic photo opportunities! Their striking red heads contrast beautifully with their black bodies, making for stunning macro images. While Lasius niger may appear similar to one another, they craft captivating tunnel patterns that are absolutely thrilling to document!

Community and Support Resources for Each Species

The UK and Europe have active support networks for both species. Ant enthusiasts can find specialised care advice for Messor barbarus on blogs like Best Ants UK Blog. Lasius niger's widespread presence in the UK means more local support options for these native ants. Many ant-keeping communities share region-specific tips.

Comparison Table

Characteristic	Messor barbarus	Lasius niger
Physical Characteristics
Worker Size	3-15mm (polymorphic)	3-5mm (uniform)
Queen Size	12-14mm	9mm
Body Colour	Black or Red head, black body	Entirely black
Colony Details
Colony Size	5,000-15,000 workers	Several thousand workers
Queen Lifespan	20-25 years	Up to 28 years, 9 months
Worker Lifespan	1-2 years	1-2 years
Habitat Requirements
Nest Temperature	21-26°C	20-24°C
Foraging Area Temperature	22-30°C	18-28°C
Hibernation Temperature	13-15°C	8-10°C
Nest Humidity	70-75%	75-85%
Care Requirements
Diet	Seeds and grains	Carbs and proteins
Care Level	Easy-Moderate	Easy
Hibernation Period	Dec-March	Oct - April
Stress Response	High (sensitive to vibrations)	Moderate
Setup Costs
Starter Kit Price Range	£76-£195	£62-£114
Monthly Care Cost	£1.50-£5	£8.50-£15
Beginner Suitability
Risk of Escape	Higher (strong jaws)	Lower
Aggression Level	Non-aggressive	Non-aggressive
Educational Value	High (seed processing)	High (foraging behaviour)

Conclusion

Both Messor barbarus and Lasius niger give aspiring ant keepers different advantages. Lasius niger makes an excellent choice for complete beginners with its manageable size and simple dietary needs. These adaptable ants cost less to start with and need minimal maintenance, which makes them perfect for first-time keepers.

Messor barbarus needs more attention and specific care, but these harvester ants reward their dedicated owners with amazing behaviours and colony structures. You can learn so much by watching their seed-processing activities. Their distinct worker castes provide great educational insights, especially when you want to study ant biology in depth.

Your specific goals and commitment level will help you pick between these species. Lasius niger works well for anyone wanting to start ant-keeping gently. Messor barbarus suits hobbyists ready to take on more responsibility. Buy live queen ants and ant farm kits with ant colonies to begin your experience with either species. Just make sure you get the right housing and care materials for your chosen colony.

We highly recommend the Black Ant Ant Farms for children aged 6 to 10 years old—it's an exciting choice for young explorers! For those aged 11 and up, the Harvester Ants Ant Farms are a fantastic option that will take your ant-keeping adventure to the next level!

These species can do well in captivity with proper care and attention. Your success depends on how well you understand and meet their needs rather than which species you pick. The hardy Lasius niger and fascinating Messor barbarus each give you a unique glimpse into the amazing world of ants.

FAQs

Which ant species is better suited for complete beginners?

Lasius niger is generally considered more suitable for complete beginners due to its manageable size, straightforward dietary needs, and adaptable nature. They are easier to maintain and have lower initial costs compared to Messor barbarus.

What are the main differences in feeding requirements between Messor barbarus and Lasius niger?

Messor barbarus primarily consume seeds and grains, which they process into "ant bread". In contrast, Lasius niger prefers sweet substances like sugar water and honey, supplemented with protein sources such as small insects.

How do the habitat requirements differ between these two ant species?

Messor barbarus prefer warmer temperatures (21-26°C for the nest) and require distinct moisture zones. Lasius niger is more flexible, thriving in temperatures between 20-24°C for the nest area. Both species need specific humidity levels and hibernation periods.

What are the key educational benefits of keeping each ant species?

Messor barbarus colonies demonstrate complex seed processing, caste systems, and architectural design. Lasius niger excel in showcasing foraging behaviour, chemical communication, and adaptation to environmental changes. Both species offer unique learning opportunities for children and adults alike.

How do the initial and ongoing costs compare between Messor barbarus and Lasius niger ant farms?

Starter kits for Messor barbarus typically range from £76-£195, while Lasius niger kits are slightly cheaper at £62-£114. Ongoing monthly expenses for both species are similar, ranging from £1.50-£15 for food and supplies. Messor barbarus may be more economical long-term due to their seed-based diet.

Ant Keeping

Messor barbarus vs Lasius niger: Which Makes the Best Ant Farm for Beginners? [2025]