Three Kenyans have been accused with trying to transport ants into China and France for export.
The three, a man and his wife and a postal company employee are accused of trying to export the ant species Messor Cephalotes without clearance from Kenya Wildlife Service.
They denied the charges and were freed on bail.
It was not clear for what reason the ants, which were said to be worth 300,000 shillings ($2,135; £1,677) were being sold.
A prosecutor urged the court to expedite the case as the lives of the ants that were produced in court were at stake.