Match the nest to the colony, not the species label.

We write for keepers in the United States who catch native queens. Collect locally and follow your local rules. The footer of every page repeats them.

We do not sell live ants. We do not publish species care sheets here.

Start with the Scout, $24. A new colony is a queen and a handful of workers. A small nest is easier to keep damp, and easier to see into.

The tube goes in, the cover goes on, and the workers come out when they are ready.

When the Scout fills, the next room is the Founder, $42. If the colony is already growing fast, the Homestead, $64, is the larger nest.

Pick by how many workers you have, not by what the label on the species says. The size guide has the path.

If one flight gives you more than one queen, the Four Corners, $96, holds four separate colonies. Each one has its own cotton water cup.

It is for four colonies. It is not one big nest for one.

When workers start to look for food, add an outworld. The Frontier S, $34, pairs with the Founder. The outworld page has both sizes.

Start here is the full path in order. The catching guide covers the queen. The formicarium page lists every nest.