84 replies to this topic

[Ants_Dakota]

Welcome to Wilderness Anting by Ants_Dakota
Shipping Ants Native to the Great Plains

Please read before ordering
Payment: I accept cash, PayPal, or Venmo
Origin Address: Ants ship from Sioux Falls, SD
Shipping: Shipping cost will be calculated based on weight when you place an order and will be shipped using USPS Priority Mail. Expect around $10. Optionally, you can pay for Priority Mail Express
DOA: Video footage must be provided up to 3 hours after arrival. I will provide a full refund for the ants or send you another colony
Pickup: You can choose to pick the ants up from me at a local park
Prices: All funds raised from this shop go into the Wilderness Anting business. Prices are based on the queen's rarity, colony development, quantity, and the resources and time it takes to care for. Prices are negotiable(if you wish to bundle, for example), and trades are welcome
How to buy: PM me on formiculture and respond to this post. The more chances for me to see your post, the better. You can also email me at wilderness.anting@outlook.com
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Available Colonies


Camponotus herculeanus
Size: Large
Formic Acid: 3/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Beginner
Notes: A member of four genetically similar species within the Camponotus herculeanus species complex (the other three are Camponotus modoc, Camponotus pennsylvanicus, and Camponotus chromaiodes). Rare in the US, likely due to the similarity between C. modoc and C. herculeanus. While I am very certain these queens are C. herculeanus, the potential exists that they are C. modoc.
1 Available (can order from another state and I will apply for a permit for you)
1 queen, brood (comes in a Pyrex 20mm Test Tube) - $50




Camponotus novaeboracensis
Size: Large
Formic Acid: 4/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Beginner
Notes: A shiny species with massive majors and a striking red and black color scheme. Great for beginners with fast growth and straightforward care. My stock includes the usual bright red thorax variety as well as a dark "blood" red thorax variety.
Available in SD
1 queen, brood (comes in a Pyrex 20mm Test Tube) - $40




Camponotus vicinus
Size: Large
Formic Acid: 4/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Intermediate
Notes: One of the largest ant species in the US; Our population is monogynous (one queen per colony), very aggressive, and a hybrid coloration between the brighter southern variety and the jet-black mountainous variety.
Available in SD
1 queen, brood (comes in a Pyrex 20mm Test Tube) - $30
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.

 

 

Tetramorium immigrans
Size: Medium
Sting: 1/5
Hibernation required: No
Experience level: Beginner
Notes: An invasive species in many urban areas but one of the best beginner species available. Fast growing, incredibly hardy, and can live in any formicarium.
Available
1 queen, brood (comes in a Pyrex 16mm Test Tube) - $15
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.

 

National Shipping:

 

 

 

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Past Colonies

 

Camponotus modoc
Size: Large
Formic Acid: 3/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Beginner
Notes: The western counterpart to Camponotus pennsylvanicus, but with redder legs. One of the faster growing Camponotus species with large majors and straightforward care.
Not Available
1 queen, brood (comes in a Pyrex 20mm Test Tube) - $30
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.

 

Brachymyrmex depilis
Size: Tiny
Stinging: No
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Advanced
Notes: Few colonies have been raised in captivity by ant-keepers, so your success is integral to knowing more about this species.
Not Available
3 queens, (comes in a test tube with a Por Amor Cryptic Ant Insert) - $40
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.



National Shipping:




Formica aserva
Size: Medium
Formic Acid: 4/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Advanced
Notes: This is a parasitic (queens cannot raise brood themselves) and slave-raiding (colonies steal other species pupae and raise them as their own) species of Formica with large polymorphic (size range) workers and an aggressive sting.
Not Available




Formica montana
Size: Medium
Formic Acid: 2/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Intermediate
Notes: Highly polygynous (having multiple queens) thatched mound building species common to many northern regions. Colonies grow fast and likely accept dealate queens (queens who have shed their wings) back into the nest.
Not Available




Formica subsericea
Size: Medium
Formic Acid: 2/5
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Intermediate
Notes: Widespread Formica species native to much of the continental United States. They are monogynous (have one queen) and grow quite quickly.
Not Available




Lasius neoniger
Size: Medium
Stinging: No
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Beginner
Notes: Great beginner species due to their fast growth, easy care requirements, hardy nature, and active behavior. These ants are highly cooperative when foraging for food¹, something I find exceptionally enjoyable to watch. These ants will grow as fast as you can feed them².
Not Available
1 queen, brood (comes in a test tube with a Por Amor Insert with a Sand Finish) - $19
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.




National Shipping:



Lasius brevicornis
Size: Medium
Stinging: No
Hibernation required: Yes
Experience level: Intermediate
Notes: Cryptic (rarely leave nest) ant species with a timid personality and a pale orange color. They grow slower than other Lasius species but are highly polygynous (have multiple queens) and sought after.
Not Available
3 queens, brood (comes in a test tube) - $30
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.



National Shipping:



Solenopsis molesta
Size: Tiny
Stinging: 0/5
Hibernation required: Optional
Experience level: Beginner
Notes: Inquilines (live in or around other ant nests) that steal brood and resources from neighboring colonies to feed themselves. They can likely inbreed inside of their nest³.
Not Available
3 queens, brood (comes in a test tube with a Por Amor Cryptic Ant Insert) - $30
Follow the journey of these queens here. PM to choose your specific colony.



National Shipping:





[1] James F. A. Traniello. (1983). Social Organization and Foraging Success in Lasius neoniger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Behavioral and Ecological Aspects of Recruitment Communication. Oecologia, 59(1), 94–100. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4217073
[2] AnthonyP163. (2025, Feb 6). AnthonyP163's Lasius sp. Journal. Formiculture. https://www.formicul...11225/?p=247764
[3] Mdrogun. (2019, July 30). Solenopsis molesta Journal. Formiculture. https://www.formicul...urnal/?p=121896

Edited by Ants_Dakota, July 4 2025 - 9:14 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Ants_Dakota's Ant Shop
Used Ant-keeping Supplies and Raw Materials

 

Formicaria

 

AntsCanada Ant Tower Small Deluxe

Condition: Used - Very good

Notes: Comes clean and with the original box (does not include red wrap). Includes Ant Tower Small, interior spacer, red underside LED light, test tube adapter, and test tube.

1 Available - $22

 

AntsCanada Ant Tower Small Deluxe

Condition: Used - Good

Notes: Comes clean with the red LED light and red wrap. Formicarium only; does not include tubing, adapters, or plugs.

Sold

 

AntsCanada Test Tube Accessories Bundle

Condition: Used - Very good

Notes: Comes with 1 Female-Female AntsCanada Valve Connector, three Test Tubes adapters, 6 Test Tubes, and 1 Test Tube Rack.

Sold

 

Raw Materials

 

High-Quality Firebrick

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9"x4.5"x2.5"

Notes: Contains one firebrick suited for formicaria design. You can only buy these in bulk, so purchasing one saves a lot of money. Tutorials for formicaria creation can be found here and here. 

6 Available - $8

 

 

Low-Quality Firebrick

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9"x4.5"x1.25"

Notes: Contains one firebrick that works for formicarium design, but not as well as it is harder to carve.

3 Available - Free with any order upon request

 

 

Premium PVA Sponge

Condition: New

Dimensions: 6.9"x3"x1.38"

Notes: One PVA Sponge. This is an advanced hydration method for ants, used in formicaria in place of a water tower. I recommend using this in place of a water chamber in a Firebrick Formicarium. It contains no chemicals unlike many sponges so it is safe for ants. 

6 Available - $6

 

Edited by Ants_Dakota, November 15 2024 - 10:14 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Ants_Dakota's Ant Shop
Handmade Display Case Outworlds

 

The most critical period for an ant colony is when the queen hatches her first batch of nanitics. The colony is starved of carbohydrates and protein, cramped in an unnaturally small world, and likely beginning to deal with mold issues and water shortages. I find so many new ant keepers make the mistake of feeding the ants by placing food directly into the test tube, causing mold or fungi outbreaks, neglecting to transfer the colony to a clean test tube because of the difficulty of this endeavor, or moving the colony into a formicaruim far too early. I think most long-time ant keepers will agree with me, but most of our ant colonies never make it past the test tube stage for various reasons, including those listed above. Over the past several years, I have begun investing in "Display Case Outworlds," my term for an affordable outworld that looks and functions well. I have had great success with every single one of these I have built and have used and reused them for dozens of colonies. Building things is a hobby and passion of mine ever since I began keeping ants as a kid with no money and a bunch of free time. The purpose of this section of my shop is to fill a need I see in the anting community and join with some of the greats such as Utah Ants and kiedeerk in furthering this hobby by offering affordable options for antkeepers, whether that be buying from my shop or building a Display Case Outworld yourself. You heard that right, if these outworlds sell out, I will be creating a guide on how to build them with my next batch. I don't think hiding secrets behind products or propriety in this community does anyone any good, especially in such a small, close-knit community. With that, take a moment to browse what outworlds I currently have or send me a PM about a custom creation!

 

Benefits of a Display Case Outworld

• Completely sealed design prevents accidental escapes
• Crystal clear plastic on all sides
• Secure ventilation with high-micron mesh
• Optional connection port can hold 1/2" or 3/8" tubing
• Beautiful centerpiece rock to impress viewers (Rocks are tightly secured and will not accidentally come out)
• Can hold from one to four test tubes (or possibly more)
• Absorbent vermiculite substrate manages humidity
• Stackable for ant keepers with multiple colonies and limited space
• Warms to an optimal temperature when on a heating mat

How to use a Display Case Outworld

 

For test tube only use:

Simply place the test tube containing the ants into the outworld, making sure to plug the connection port (if you have one) with cotton. I recommend creating a slideable/removable sheath using paper taped around the test tube so the ants can remain in the dark with the option of you sliding the sheath off to be able to see them. It is also highly beneficial to shrink the opening of the test tube down to something closer to how ants would have it in the wild in order to reduce stress. Por Amor offers a Tubs and Tubes Adapter, or you can create one yourself from a straw and a cotton ball or a piece of cork like RushmoreAnts.

 

For formicarium or external test tube use:

Use a 1/2" or 3/8" piece of clear vinyl tubing to secure a formicarium or test tube to the connection port. An adapter such as a Cone Adapter from Por Amor will likely be necessary for test tube connection.

 

 

Feel free to change the names of the outworlds, they are just a fun addition I enjoyed making . Bonus points if you know the language they come from! More pictures upon request.

 

Pre-built Display Case Outworlds

 

Falquandor - A land divided

Size: Small

Condition: New

Dimensions: 8.25" x 4" x 4"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $17

 

 

 

Mírë - Precious Jewel

Size: Medium

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.625" x 4.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $22

 

 

 

Lossëa - A snowy place

Size: Medium

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.625" x 4.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $22

 

 

 

Minas Nár - The tower of fire

Size: Medium

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.625" x 4.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

Not Available

 

 

 

Isilnórë - Realm of moonlight

Size: Medium

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.625" x 4.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $22

 

 

 

Fanassë - White Essence

Size: Medium

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.625" x 4.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $22

 

 

 

Calenoth - Green Flower

Size: Medium

Condition: New

Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.625" x 4.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $22

 

 

 

Lindoriel - Song of Enchantment

Size: Extra Long

Condition: New

Dimensions: 15.8125" x 3.8125" x 3.75"

Duel Tubing Port: Yes

1 Available - $30

 

Edited by Ants_Dakota, April 17 2025 - 2:05 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Ants_Dakota's Ant Shop
Custom Display Case Outworlds

 

When keeping ordinary ants in extraordinary ways, sometimes a pre-built outworld does not fit the lifestyle of the colony you intend to house in them. That is why I wanted to offer this custom section so that you can create an outworld best suited to the needs of your colony. PM me if you are interested, and let me know the specs!

 

1. Select an Outworld Size

 

Small

Dimensions: 4" x 8 1/4" x 4"

Available - $14

 

 

 

Medium

Dimensions: 4 5/8" x 9 1/4" x 4 3/4"

Available - $16

 

 

 

Extra Long

Dimensions: 15 13/16" x 3 13/16" x 3 3/4"

Available - $16

 

 

 

Large

Dimensions: 5 1/2" x 13" x 5 7/16"

Available - $20

 

 

 

Extra Large

Dimensions:  7" x 15 1/2" x 6"

Available - $25

 

 

 

2. Select a grout color

 

Slate Grey

$1

 

Any of the following colors

$8

 

 

 

3. Select a substrate

 

Vermiculite

$0

 

 

 

Quartz Sand

$0

 

 

 

Black Sand

$3

 

 

4. Select a centerpiece

 

Black Hills Rock

Small Rocks (left column)- $1
White Quartz (not shown) - $2-4
Medium Rocks (middle columns) - $3

Large Rocks (right two columns) $6-8

 

 

Birch Log

$2

1.5-2.5" diameter

 

 

Plastic Plant

$1 for random clipping

Or tell me a theme and have me pick some out

Or shop Hobby Lobby yourself and tell me what you want. This search would be a great place to start

 

There are more options behind this...

 

 

5. Select Ports

 

No Port

$0

Useful for small colonies still living in a test tube

 

3/8" Tubing

$1

I can drill a hole and epoxy a piece of 3/8" tubing into it so you can use some connector to attach your nest to the outworld

 

Por Amor Art Tubing Duel Port

$5

Useful for attaching 3/8" or 1/2" tubing directly to the outworld

 

 

6. About whatever else

Want stalactites rising out of the floor of your outworld? Custom grout mountain? I can try my best to fulfill your dreams, but no promises!

Edited by Ants_Dakota, May 10 2025 - 7:40 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Update 9/18

New stock! Now offering one 4 queened colony of myrmica!

Edited by Ants_Dakota, December 1 2020 - 1:06 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Update 9/21

Reduced number of myrmica americana colonies.

Edited by Ants_Dakota, December 1 2020 - 1:06 PM.

[RushmoreAnts]

Yes, an unfortunate test tube flood led to the demise of my Myrmica colony, and therefore I decided to start again with the four queens. They were fat and healthy when I got them, and I have since fed them, making them even fatter. I am expecting eggs soon, if they lay this year at all.

[Ants_Dakota]

Yes, an unfortunate test tube flood led to the demise of my Myrmica colony, and therefore I decided to start again with the four queens. They were fat and healthy when I got them, and I have since fed them, making them even fatter. I am expecting eggs soon, if they lay this year at all.

good luck! Hopefully they will lay this year as with my other myrmica queens! And thanks for buying!

[RushmoreAnts]

Also to help promote our franchise, perhaps you should rename this to ‘The Official AntsDakota Store’ and later sell formicariums on this thread as well.

[Antkeeper01]

you mean Ants_Dakota instead of AntsDakota? Right?    

[RushmoreAnts]

you mean Ants_Dakota instead of AntsDakota? Right?    

We both operate under the AntsDakota name brand. AntsDakota.com

[Ants_Dakota]

Update 9/21

UPDATED STORE! Please check out!

Edited by Ants_Dakota, December 1 2020 - 1:06 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

what should i do for shipping formicariums and for receiving money? Any ideas?

[TennesseeAnts]

USPS Priority Mail

PayPal/Venmo

[Ants_Dakota]

got it. Thanks!

[Ants_Dakota]

Update 9/29

pictures added!

Edited by Ants_Dakota, December 1 2020 - 1:07 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

you mean Ants_Dakota instead of AntsDakota? Right?    

so yes, we will both sell ants on this shop.

[Ants_Dakota]

UPDATE 9/30

Tetramorium price decreased from $10 to $8.

[RushmoreAnts]

what should i do for shipping formicariums and for receiving money? Any ideas?

 

 

USPS Priority Mail

https://www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm

[Ants_Dakota]

 

what should i do for shipping formicariums and for receiving money? Any ideas?

 

 

USPS Priority Mail

https://www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm

 

i will use that! Thanks!