
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Formica japonica
A grey-black Formica ant, the most common ant of sunny grassland across Japan. Fast-moving and hardy, a standard beginner species.
Formica japonica is a formicine ant common in sunny lowland and montane sites throughout Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu and Yakushima, and abroad in Sakhalin, the Kurils, eastern Siberia, Mongolia, China, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. Workers measure 4.5-6mm and queens about 10mm; the body is greyish black with a dull sheen. It nests in bare, sun-exposed soil in grassland, opening the entrance at the surface; nests run almost vertically to 1-2m depth, and worker counts of up to 16,000 have been reported. Alates emerge from early June to early July in Tokyo and in August-September in Kochi. It is omnivorous, taking honeydew, nectar and dead insects. Kanto populations are monogynous, whereas polygynous nests with several cohabiting queens are known from Kansai. Fast, hardy and tolerant of temperature swings, it is widely recommended as a beginner species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japanese Wood Ant lives Queens 5-10 years.
The Japanese Wood Ant grows to Workers 4.5-6mm, queens about 10mm.
The ideal temperature for the Japanese Wood Ant is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Hokkaido to Kyushu, Yakushima; Sakhalin, Kuril Islands, eastern Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korean Peninsula, Taiwan
Lifespan
Sources: AntRoom: How to keep ants (JP) / Wikipedia (ja): クロヤマアリ / Japanese Ant Image Database (クロヤマアリ)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Formica japonica Motschoulsky, 1866
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Queens 5-10 years
Size
Workers 4.5-6mm, queens about 10mm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Honeydew or sugar water plus insects (omnivorous)
Keep at 23-25C, never above 30C. Honshu stock overwinters indoors unheated. A soil-nesting species sensitive to drying; keep the plaster or test tube watered.
Alates fly from early June to early July in Tokyo. A dealated queen kept alone in a test tube raises her first workers unaided. Kansai-type queens may co-found in groups.
Kanto-type colonies are monogynous and cannot be merged. Kansai-type colonies are polygynous and accept several queens, but never mix ants of different origin.
Mature colonies have been reported to exceed 10,000 workers; link additional plaster nests as the colony grows.
Fast-moving and prone to escape; apply an escape barrier to the rim of the foraging area. Beware of mold from overfeeding.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Japanese Wood Ant is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Japanese Wood Ant is Queens 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Wood Ant typically reaches Workers 4.5-6mm, queens about 10mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Wood Ant feeds on: Honeydew or sugar water plus insects (omnivorous). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Wood Ant varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026