AntsCanada
Mikey Bustos shares the lives of ant colonies and builds giant ecosystem vivariums, turning the small dramas of nature into ongoing YouTube stories.
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Latest
Mikey’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
YouTube
YouTube
YouTubeOverview
- Creator
- Mikey Bustos, also known as Michael Bustos
- Started
- Founded AntsCanada in 2009
- Based
- Cavite, Philippines
- Known for
- Ant colonies, natural history storytelling and giant ecosystem vivariums
- Breakout work
- My Fire Ants Are Planning an Escape (2016)
Mini bio
How it started.
Mikey Bustos grew up in Canada collecting insects and keeping animals. He founded AntsCanada in 2009 to share ant keeping and make equipment for the hobby. Its wider mission includes myrmecology, ecology and habitat conservation.
Small creatures, ongoing stories.
His videos follow colonies through feeding, growth and unexpected problems. The 2016 video “My Fire Ants Are Planning an Escape” became a signature hit. National Geographic later highlighted his role in bringing new people into ant keeping.
Building living worlds.
In 2023, Mikey began exploring ecosystem vivariums as a way to observe ants in more natural settings. From his home in Cavite, Philippines, the project expanded into connected habitats. By 2026, the series included a lagoon with changing tides and a growing marine community.
Recognition.
In 2026, AntsCanada received a Webby for Best Series and the People’s Voice award for Best Editing in the Creators categories.
Creditschronological, newest first
YouTube
- 2026The Ecosystem Vivarium Series: “Bridges”Director, writer, director of photography and editor
- 2016My Fire Ants Are Planning an EscapeCreator and narrator
Interviews and television
- 2025Reptile Talk, episode 152Guest
- 2023Amazing Earth: Mikey’s antiverseFeatured guest
Awards
Quotes
that's Ant For 'thank You!'AntsCanada, The Webby Awards
The five-word acceptance speech displayed on AntsCanada’s 2026 winners page.
Trivia
- As a child, Mikey made a labelled “BUG ZOO” in his parents’ basement to show neighbourhood friends.
- He grew up watching nature documentaries narrated by David Attenborough.
- His lagoon vivarium is called Lumantia.
Find Mikey
Follow Mikey’s colonies and living worlds.
Are you AntsCanada?
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