Lasius niger – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

Lasius niger is covered by our Antculture Charter:
1. Breeding approved by Veterinary Services, carried out by a specialist under certificate of capacity,
2. Guide to the Perfect Antculturist offered and health sheet provided on Lasius niger,
3. Ants guaranteed to be parasite-free,
4 . Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood at shipping,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly),
6. Guaranteed healthy delivery. : partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total in the event of loss of the queen (if delivered within 48 hours),
7. Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging,
8. Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,
9. Colony taken over and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lasius niger is a flagship species for beginners, and deserves a rediscovery:

This species is rather small but grows quickly once at the right temperature and generously fed the sugary and protein liquids it loves. Lasius niger is an excellent breeder of aphids , she protects them and runs along trees and plants to collect the honeydew en masse, which she brings back to the colony and shares by thophallaxia (exchange of food).

The activity of the colony becomes important with the growing population while the brood takes a large place in the colony and it is interesting to see the nymphs protected in cocoons ( as with all species of the subfamily Formicinae). Cocoons are often mistaken for eggs by novices.

Lasius niger is widely bred and studied in the laboratory. This is how a queen lived for 28 years under the eyes of scientists, proving that it is possible to raise a colony over the very long term while enjoying fascinating observations until the end. Colonies can become large after a few years, very active, and able to drive off various insects with formic acid .

In order to help you succeed in your breeding, we mainly offer colonies of more than 11 workers and always with promising brood. The colony is delivered with the queen in good health or will be reimbursed. Ideal for beginners, Lasius niger is very popular and adapts widely.

Discover the video breeding sheet and the success of this species in our anthills by our client of the youtube channel Swissfourmis!

Species incompatible with gel anthills, like all colonies with a queen! Photo 1 by Antstore (Copyright), Photo 2 by Nikola Rahmé. Photo 3 by Christophe Quintin

Latin name:		lasius niger
Not common:		black garden ant
Taxonomy:		Subfamily: Formicinae,
Difficulty level :		Very easy
Distribution:		Throughout Europe, North Africa, moderate climate in Asia, North America. Great adaptation!
Natural habitat :		Prefers sun-exposed lawns, but is also found in cities, plantations and in many habitats.
Number of queens:		monogynous (1 maximum per colony)
Queen :		Size: 9mm Colour: Black, with slight lighter brown reflections (not to be confused with Lasius grandis, brunneus, emarginatus, etc).
Workers:		Size: 3 – 5mm Colour: Black, with slight lighter brown reflections (not to be confused with Lasius grandis, brunneus, emarginatus, etc) .
Soldiers:		Not present
Males:		Size: 3.5 – 4.5mm Color: Black
Feed :		Large quantities of sugary liquids, protein liquids, jellies, fresh insects, small pieces of meat.
Air humidity:		Hunting area: 30 – 50% (low) Nest: 50 – 60% (medium)
Temperature:		Hunting area: 18 – 28°C Nest: 24 to 27°C for maximum development during the day, 19 to 24°C at night.
Hibernation:		Yes, mandatory! About 2 to 4 months in winter between 5 and 15°C. A rather cold wintering is advised.
Natural nest:		Builds its nest under stones with a wide network of galleries.
Type of artificial nest:		Plexiglas, plaster, sand, aerated concrete, etc. Adapts to everything. Recommended chamber height: 4 to 8mm.
Size of the artificial anthill:		5 to 20cm at the start.
Substrate:		Not essential, but likes to dig.
Planting:		Lives in contact with plants, grasses, meadows, forest… But planting is not recommended in the nest.
Decoration of the nest:		Dry decor with pebbles, dry wood, sand, etc.
Lifespan:		1 to 3 years for the workers, up to 28 years for the queen!
Life cycle :		Swarming from May to the end of June, monastic foundation (without feeding the queen who raises the larvae alone), the colony can reach 40,000 individuals.
Quantity sold :		Fertilized queen with brood and workers according to option.