ANTSTORE World of Ants

[mpir]

My question is:
Why is Antstore not selling any ants from genus Formica? They are quite comon around the Europe and very interesting.

Are they too demanding to keep?

[Martin S.]

Dear mpir,

I don't now your local law.
but the most Formica spec. (forest ant) is in Germany protectet.
International is only the red forest ant Formica rufa on the red list.

More Information can you find in the german forum:
http://www.antstore.net/viewtopic.php?t=4429

Greetings
Martin

[NuEM]

The following ant species enjoy special protection under german law, and must not be sold, traded or even owned at all:

Formica aquilonia
Formica bruni
Formica exsecta
Formica foreli
Formica forsslundi
Formica lugubris
Formica nigricans
Formica polyctena
Formica pratensis
Formica pressilabris
Formica rufa
Formica truncorum
Formica uralensis

[mpir]

Darn...

... I didn't know they are so protected. Are they endangered? Is this why they are so protected?

[delirium]

Yes, they are endangered and thatwhile, they enjoys a special protection - I think since almost 200 years...in Germany.