Ant Course

Ant Course is an immersive field workshop aimed to give participants the theoretical background and practical training in collecting, preserving, and identifying ants for biodiversity, ecological, and behavioral research applications.

2026 Dates: October 12–21

Deadline to apply: 1 July 2026

Location: Colorado State University Todos Santos Center,
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

The application period for Ant Course 2026 is now closed.

Please expect to hear back on current applications mid-July.

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Ant Course will take place October 12–21 at the Colorado State University Todos Santos Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The site provides exceptional desert and tropical dry forest habitats, excellent logistical support in one of the safest communities in Mexico, and reliably productive ant activity, particularly following the wet season.

2026 instructors:

Phil Barden

Marek Borowiec

William Clark

Milan Janda

Robert Johnson

Christina Kwapich

John Lattke

Andrea Lucky

Corrie Moreau

Matthew Prebus

Jeffrey Sosa-Calvo

Phil Ward

FAQ

What can I expect to take away from the Ant Course?

Students will gain a strong foundation in ant systematics and natural history, including identification and specimen vouchering. The course also seeks to build community among emerging myrmecologists.

Is it possible to receive course credit for attendance?

Official transcripts are not possible at this time.

What is the cost of attendance?

Cost of attendance is 1,700 USD excluding travel to Mexico. A limited number of scholarships covering room and board are available for applicants who would otherwise be unable to attend.

Is it safe?

Todos Santos is in one of the safest regions of Mexico. Colorado State University has had programs and classes here for years without incident.

What are the course accommodations?

Students will be provided with shared, dorm-style housing for the duration of the course.

Will food be provided?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. We will be able to accommodate special dietary needs and requests.

Do I need to attend the whole time? When do I need to be there?

This will be an intensive course with back-to-back activities stretching into the evenings.

How physically accessible is this event? What sorts of activities will be involved?

The course will be a combination of sitting classroom work and field trips. Field trip components are still being finalized, but one-night camping trip in Sierra de la Laguna is possible. Whether this happens will be communicated in advance. Field trips will include standing and slow walking for up to an hour in the Baja California heat, as well as things like crouching or crawling as we search for specimens. Please be aware of your personal limits and make sure to bring the appropriate gear and attire. Expect high temperatures in the range of 90F (32C) and overnight lows of 70F (21C). Temperatures may climb to above 100F or drop below 60F. Below is a suggested list of things you will likely want to bring along with you.

Do I need a visa to enter Mexico and if so can the course help me with this?

Residents of some countries do require a visa. Refer to current information online. It is up to each participant to know whether a visa is required to enter Mexico. We cannot assist you in securing a visa but can provide a letter stating that you have been accepted to the course if this would be helpful for your visa application.

How do I get to Todos Santos?

You should fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). We will have airport transportation available to participants on the first day of the course and back to the airport at the end. Your successful pickup will depend on good communication with course organizers.

What should I bring?