German children are marching to pet shops to follow a pricey new trend for ant-breeding, German insect dealer Martin Sebesta said on Tuesday.
After the creatures were showcased as pets at a German agricultural fair last month, the self-proclaimed "ant fanatic" has had so much interest from children and students at his Berlin store that he plans to open two new shops.
"Children love them because they can observe a mini-world. Every member of the colony has a different job to do, some collect food, others defend the queen," said Sebesta, who sells at least two colonies per day at around $126 each.
"They are easy to look after, eat household scraps and can live up to 30 years," said Sebesta, whose most expensive ants cost $1,764 per colony of up to 20 ants.
The biggest species he offers is from Southeast Asia and grows up to around two inches while others are barely visible, said the 28-year-old, who has been selling ants on the Internet since February 2000. He said most people preferred to come to his shop to handle the ants before buying them online.
"It could just be a phase but I hope not," he said.
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