FAQ

AA-01 is the one standard port on every American Ant product. Because every product has the same port, a single part (the Link) can join any two of them.

Yes. A Link joins AA-01 ports on any two nests or outworlds. The Scout sits lower and needs a Riser to line up with Founder-height ports. The Scout Riser is sold on its own for $10, or for $4 when bought with a Founder, Homestead, or Four Corners. Founder, Homestead and Frontier boxes include a Link; Four Corners includes four.

A queen can start in a prepared tube or either Scout, both with an included 16 mm water tube. For first workers, Link Scout to Trailhead's low port without a Riser. Add Founder when the colony needs room. Frontier sizes come January 1; revised kits remain under review. See Start Here.

Every order ships free, so small parts come in packs that are worth the trip: Link and Port Plug in 3s, Vent Plug in pairs, or one of each in the Port Trio. They cost less again when you add them to an order with a nest, outworld or kit, because they ride in the same box. A Frontier is cheaper with its matching nest for the same reason.

Both Scouts include a Click Stop acrylic lid and a 16 mm water tube. Each also includes a Port Plug, a Vent Plug, a Tube Plug and a Scout Cover. Catching gear and the Scout Riser are separate. For a funnel alone, choose Catch Cap; a Catch Kit includes another tube as spare gear. Always check the current box list on the model page.

Scout Basecamp ($75, opens December 1) is a black Scout V2 for the queen, a white Scout V1 as an open porch and an orange Trailhead as the feeding hub. It includes three Links, two Port Plugs and a Vent Plug for the Trailhead, and one 16 mm tube, Tube Plug and Scout Cover with the queen's Scout. All connections must serve one colony.

Scout V1 and V2 directly accept standard 16 mm glass or plastic tubes in a glass-safe seat; a tube is included with each. Keep 18 or 20 mm colonies in a prepared tube or use a suitable outworld move. The straight adapter is paused; never force a larger tube into Scout.

No enclosure can promise to hold every species. Our nests are designed to contain most common species, but very small species vary. Check the care guides and keep unused ports plugged.

Not yet. We encourage starting with a queen collected locally, from a species native to your area. Check your local rules first. Rather buy one? See two trusted sellers.

Anywhere in the United States, and shipping is free.

We ship free next business day* *Starts 12/1.

Yes: Spare Acrylic Lids and plugs are in the shop.