How Much Are Queen Ants Worth?
WouterPurchasing queen ants for your ant farm can be a tricky proposition. Luckily, there are several ways to find the best deals. You can choose from the most common species or go all out and invest in a new exotic species. Depending on the species, the cost could range from $1 to $60.
Some species are known to live up to a decade or more. They may help your plants or even pollinate your garden. Others may act as biological control agents. Whatever the case, you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re buying before you make a purchase.
Queen ants are larger than their worker counterparts. When they’re young, they may participate in a mating ritual with male ants. They also have wings. After mating, these young ants are sterile.
However, when they reach maturity, these ants participate in a nuptial flight. During this flight, the queen ants shed their wings. They then fly off to meet up with other winged males.
The most expensive queens can cost upwards of $100. The United States Department of Agriculture frowns upon the sale of queen ants. However, it’s possible to purchase them in other countries. Some people sell queen ants to people on the Internet.
When buying ants, it’s best to go with a reputable seller. Some people may not know how to properly care for ants, and they may be selling a dud. They may also be trying to make money.
