Home ant farming is growing in popularity, aided by streamlined online deliveries.
An International Trade in Animals
On social media, specialized “influencers,” exchange groups, and promotional offers abound. In just a few clicks online, individuals can order fertilized queens and colonies shipped directly by mail. This booming trade spans from local, affordable species to rare, giant, or exotic specimens, fostering a surprisingly accessible marketplace for everyone.
This growing demand fuels an international trade in wildlife that is particularly lucrative and discreet. Criminal networks profit from a cost-benefit ratio that is highly favorable: reselling queens gathered in the wild can bring in tens of thousands of dollars, for a negligible investment. Because of the small size of insects and the ease of shipping via ordinary parcels, this clandestine network proves far harder for authorities to intercept and regulate than the trafficking of large mammals.
Invasive Species
This unregulated trade poses serious threats to biodiversity. On the one hand, the intensive looting of queens weakens the ecosystems of origin. On the other hand, the sale of exotic invasive species carries a high risk of biological invasion in the countries where they are shipped. If these ants escape or are released into the wild, they can outcompete local species, disrupt the surrounding flora and fauna, and sometimes trigger severe allergic reactions or health concerns in humans.
In response to these ecological concerns, international legislation remains woefully incomplete. Most environmental treaties do not cover most insects, and only a handful of invasive species are banned from sale at the European level. Given this lack of regulation and oversight on online platforms, researchers and enthusiasts advocate for tighter legal frameworks and greater public awareness. And if you’re going to be passionate about ants, it’s better to be responsible and focus on native species from your own backyard.
