Be Responsible — Never Release Your Pets

Being a responsible hobbyist means more than simply caring for our pets—it also means understanding where they come from and recognizing the impact they can have on the environment.

The ant hobby is one of the few hobbies that still relies heavily on collecting from the wild, as most ant queens cannot yet be sustainably bred in captivity (with the exception of some inbred species).

Keeping ants and other exotic invertebrates is a rewarding and educational hobby, but it also comes with a serious responsibility. Around the world, invasive ant species have caused major ecological and economic damage after being accidentally or intentionally introduced into areas where they do not naturally occur. Some invasive ants displace native species, damage crops, invade homes, spread rapidly through human transport, and disrupt local ecosystems. Even species that appear harmless in captivity may become destructive when released into the wild.

To our valued customers and fellow hobbyists, we encourage you to read and share this message. Let us care for our pets while also protecting nature. Please take every precaution to prevent escapes, and never intentionally release pets into the wild.

Proper containment is extremely important when keeping ants. Always use secure enclosures, apply escape barriers correctly, and regularly inspect setups for weaknesses or gaps. During colony maintenance, feeding, or moving nests, extra care should be taken to avoid accidental escapes. Small actions by individual hobbyists can make a big difference in preventing invasive species from spreading.

Our page does not encourage the giving, trading, or selling of highly invasive ant species identified in scientific literature, including:

• Solenopsis geminata (Tropical Fire Ant)
• Solenopsis invicta (Red Imported Fire Ant)
• Solenopsis richteri (Black Imported Fire Ant)
• Paratrechina longicornis (Black Crazy Ant / Longhorn Crazy Ant)
• Anoplolepis gracilipes (Yellow Crazy Ant)
• Linepithema humile (Argentine Ant)
• Pheidole megacephala (Big-Headed Ant)
• Wasmannia auropunctata (Little Fire Ant)
• Monomorium pharaonis (Pharaoh Ant)
• Lepisiota frauenfeldi (Browsing Ant)
• Nylanderia fulva (Tawny Crazy Ant)
• Cardiocondyla obscurior
• Trichomyrmex destructor (Destructive Trailing Ant)

We also avoid promoting highly inbred species capable of reproducing from a single colony, as these species are especially likely to become invasive when introduced into new environments. Species with dependent colony founding, budding behavior, or the ability to reproduce through inbreeding can establish populations very quickly if accidentally released.

Responsible keeping also means educating newer hobbyists about the risks associated with exotic species. By promoting ethical practices, proper identification, and awareness of invasive species, we can help ensure that the hobby remains sustainable and respected by both the scientific community and the public.

As hobbyists, let us work together to protect both the hobby and the ecosystems around us by practicing responsible keeping, trading, and rehoming of exotic species.

We understand the strong attachment we form with our pets. If you ever lose interest in keeping your ants or isopods, or if you are no longer able to care for them, Anthub PH is happy to help connect you with responsible keepers who can continue caring for them properly. We offer free assistance in rehoming pets through our platform.

— Anthub PH