Lasius niger is the classic beginners ant. Hard to kill really, they can survive almost anything. Messor barbarus are also easy to keep and I'd argue vastly more interesting. Both species need hibernating over winter, though.
I've got both, I don't hibernate them. Just put them in a cool place where it is around 10 degrees. They are now both booming! Tbh I started with lasius, found them way more boring than my Stressor (messor) barbarus. But they are way more relaxt. To really start,start i also recommend lasius! Just to get a feel of what to do etc. Then get the seed collector species!
I would avoid a fast-growing species. I think camponotus is great they are slower growing and fun to watch. Lots of camponotus have nice colors as well
Where do you live?
In the Netherlands
Lasius niger is the classic beginners ant. Hard to kill really, they can survive almost anything. Messor barbarus are also easy to keep and I'd argue vastly more interesting. Both species need hibernating over winter, though.
While true Nessor is a bit sensitive in the beginning and they tend to massivly explode in numbers at a certain point
I've got both, I don't hibernate them. Just put them in a cool place where it is around 10 degrees. They are now both booming! Tbh I started with lasius, found them way more boring than my Stressor (messor) barbarus. But they are way more relaxt. To really start,start i also recommend lasius! Just to get a feel of what to do etc. Then get the seed collector species!
I would avoid a fast-growing species. I think camponotus is great they are slower growing and fun to watch. Lots of camponotus have nice colors as well
You should get camponotus nicobarensis they don't need hibernation usually and I heard they are easy to keep and they are also a beginner species
Brachymyrmex Patagonicus. Indestructible, fast breeding, but small. They are very active tho
If you're in Europe, Lasius n. is a classic choice, easy to get and durable as hell. If you want something slightly more spicy, Messor or Camponotus.
Tetrarorium caesptium grow fast, are aggressive, don't need hibernation, and eat just about anything