Chinese Man Attempted to Smuggle 2,200 Live Ants, Each Individually Wrapped

A Chinese national was caught attempting to smuggle 2,200 live ants, with each insect individually packaged for transport. The illegal ant trade operates similarly to heroin smuggling but generates higher profits per gram, according to British newspaper The Times. Enthusiasts, including many in China, pay substantial sums to maintain ant colonies in large transparent containers known as formicaria. Queen ants of the seed-harvesting species messor cephalotes are particularly sought after, commanding high prices in the underground market. The incident highlights a thriving black market trade in exotic insects driven by collectors willing to pay premium prices for rare species.