Can I find ants in the garden in December?

[Lee99]

We have bought an ant farm for our son's xmas present. Will we be able to find ants in the garden at Christmas. We have a voucher to send off for some but don't want to have to put them in before xmas day as he'll want to do this himself and don't want to leave them in delivery box either. Just trying to avoid tears on xmas day!!

[burnhal]

Assuming you are in the UK..... unfortunately ants tend to hibernate so you arent going to find any til next spring. True of wood ants and black ants.

[burnhal]

further to this- just had a look at an ant farm we have. THey tend to recommend harvester ants as they have large mandibles adapted to tunneling. However- I believe ants can survive a good long time without food so you should be ok ordering them. Why not speak to the supplier- I am sure they are used to this question at Christmas time.