Buy an ant colony? Healthy ants for your ant farm

Cylinder Trio Leafcutter Ant Setup including Acromyrmex octospinosus colony

Many consider keeping leafcutter ants to be the pinnacle of the ant-keeping hobby. After years of testing, developing, and perfecting, we are finally ready to present our flagship product: the Cylinder Trio Leafcutter Ant Setup! This high-quality and complete set is specifically designed to create the perfect conditions for growing their underground fungus garden. The set comes with a healthy starter colony of Acromyrmex octospinosus with active fungus.

Thoughtful design for ideal fungus growth

Leafcutter ants prefer to build their fungus garden in a vertical position. The set consists of three robust acrylic cylinders, 20 cm in diameter and 30 cm high — the perfect shape for a stable microclimate. The cylinders are interconnected with extra-wide, sturdy acrylic tubes, a remarkable 32 mm in diameter. This allows the worker ants to effortlessly transport large pieces of cut leaves through the system, and they are fantastic to observe!

Maximum ventilation and escape prevention

The lids and connections are equipped with stainless steel mesh inserts and gnaw-resistant couplings. Even large colonies and powerful Majors (soldiers) with their sharp mandibles cannot penetrate them. The clever gypsum element at the bottom of the nest area, combined with the included heating cable, ensures the exact moisture and temperature balance that the fungus needs.

Personal service & ongoing support

Because leafcutter ants are the ultimate hobby for us, we never leave you alone after purchase. When you pick up the set at our showroom in Apeldoorn, we will take ample time to discuss the setup, temperature (approx. 26°C) and humidity (90-100%), and nutrition with you. Additionally, we are happy to stay in personal contact with you via WhatsApp to monitor the progress of your colony and answer any questions!

Contents of this complete package:

• 1x Acromyrmex octospinosus colony: Including queen, workers, and active fungus culture
• 3x Cylinder TRIO habitats: Premium acrylic cylinders (20 cm ⌀ x 30 cm high)
• 3x Cylinder lid rims + ventilated inner lids: With stainless steel ventilation grates
• 1x Gypsum base section: Provides the ideal moist substrate for the fungus
• 1x Heat source: Heating cable specially adapted for the nest section
• 2x Acrylic connection tubes (32 mm ⌀): For optimal leaf transport and visibility
• 2x End caps / closable tubes: To securely seal unused openings
• 3x Sets of furniture feet: Ensures the correct elevation for the heat source
• 1x Mini digital thermo-hygrometer: For accurate control of temperature and humidity
• Complete accessory set: Substrate (sandy loam 500g), anti-escape kit, sprayer (0.5L), bottle (250 ml), and tweezers

Specifications & Expandability:

• Suitable for: All types of leafcutter ants (Atta & Acromyrmex)
• Dimensions of basic set: 3x Cylinders of 20 x 30 cm (expandable with modules of 25x40 cm or 40x60 cm)
• Ideal nest area temperature: approx. 26°C
• Ideal fungus humidity: 90% - 100%
• Delivery: Only available for pick-up at our showroom in Apeldoorn!

Ready for the most spectacular ant adventure of your life? Order this complete setup directly or contact us to schedule your pick-up and instruction appointment in Apeldoorn!

Camponotus barbaricus Ant Colony (Queen and 2-5 Workers)

Meet the Camponotus barbaricus: one of the absolute largest and most impressive ant species in the world! This starter colony consists of a giant queen (gyne) along with her first 2 to 5 self-produced workers and the corresponding brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).

Impressive Size and Fascinating Majors

Camponotus barbaricus is a dream species for many ant keepers due to the gigantic size of the queen and workers. As the colony grows, distinct 'classes' emerge: from minors to impressive Majors (soldiers) with powerful heads and jaws. In addition, these ants are known for their remarkably fast reactions and athletic movements. A well-sealed enclosure and escape prevention are therefore essential for this species!

A Beautiful Challenge for Advanced Keepers

Because it is a giant ant, the initial phase of the colony is quite slow. The queen lays eggs in phases, and the development from egg to ant takes longer than average for this large species. Starting a Camponotus barbaricus colony therefore requires a lot of peace, patience, and precise care regarding nutrition. This makes it a fantastic, challenging species for the ant keeper who is ready for the next step!

Complete Nutritional Diet Available to Order

Make caring for your nascent colony easy from day one with our specially formulated nutrition sets. The complete diet for a starting colony consists of sugar water, honeydew, and small insects (such as fruit flies) for much-needed protein. Do you want to provide yourself with all conveniences? Then choose our Deluxe nutrition set, including a delicious nutritional jelly, a handy dosing pipette, and a feeding dish!

Suitable Enclosures

Due to the substantial size of the ants, this species is excellent for keeping in robust ant farms made of acrylic, plaster, and sand. Connect the included test tube to an outworld (arena), where the workers can quietly collect their food.

Please note: This ant colony is intended for sand, plaster, and acrylic nests. Are you looking for ants for a gel ant farm? Then choose our special Ant Family for Gel.

Packaging, Shipping, and Health Guarantee

You will receive the colony in a specially prepared test tube with a water supply behind a cotton ball, which keeps the nest area at the correct moisture level. Upon receipt, the colony can remain in it for up to a few weeks without any worries. We provide a 2-week full guarantee on the life and health of the queen (with proper care). Should the queen not arrive alive or die within 2 weeks, we will immediately arrange a free replacement colony!

Camponotus barbaricus Specifications:

• Scientific name: Camponotus barbaricus
• Dutch name: Giant Ant
• Difficulty: 3 (Advanced – requires patience, calm, and precision in the startup phase)
• Queen size: 14 - 16 mm (Very large and imposing)
• Worker size: 6 - 12 mm (Eventually develop into Minors, Mediors, and large Majors)
• Colony form: Monogyn (1 queen per nest)
• Main diet: Sugar/honey water and small insects (such as fruit flies)
• Recommended nest type: Acrylic, Plaster, or Sand (including outworld/arena)
• Hibernation: November to February (keep slightly cooler around 15°C; at room temperature, they often continue to grow well)

Do you dare to take on the challenge with one of the largest ants in the world? Order your Camponotus barbaricus colony (2-5 workers) today from Mierenboerderij!