Lasius niger – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

Lasius niger is covered by our Fourmiculture :
1. Breeding approved by the Veterinary Services, managed by a specialist with a certificate of competence,
2. Free Guide to the Perfect Ant Keeper and health information sheet provided for Lasius niger,
3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (if delivered within 48 hours),
7. Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging,

threatened ,
9. Colony buyback and costs covered if you wish to dispose of it (see conditions).

Lasius niger is a key species for beginners, and deserves to be rediscovered:

This species is rather small but grows quickly once it reaches the right temperature and is generously fed the sugary and protein-rich liquids it loves. Lasius niger is an excellent aphid farmer ; it protects them and runs along trees and plants to collect large quantities of honeydew, which it brings back to the colony and shares through thophallax (food exchange).

Colony activity increases significantly as the population grows, while the brood occupies a large space within the colony. It is interesting to observe the nymphs protected in cocoons (as with all species in the Formicinae subfamily). The cocoons are often mistaken for eggs by novices.

Lasius niger is widely bred and studied in the laboratory. For example, a queen lived for 28 years under the watchful eyes of scientists, proving that it is possible to raise a colony over the very long term while enjoying fascinating observations until the very end. The colonies can become quite large after a few years, very active, and capable of hunting various insects with formic acid .

To help you succeed in your beekeeping, we primarily offer colonies with more than 11 worker bees and always with promising brood. The colony is delivered with a healthy queen or your money back. Ideal for beginners, Lasius niger is highly regarded and adapts very well.

Discover the breeding guide in video and the success of this species in our ant farms by our client from the Swissfourmis YouTube channel!

This species is incompatible with frost-protected ant colonies, as are all colonies with a queen! Photo 1 by Antstore (Copyright), Photo 2 by Nikola Rahmé. Photo 3 by Christophe Quintin

Latin name:		Lasius niger
Uncommon:		Black garden ant
Taxonomy:		Subfamily: Formicinae
Difficulty level:		Very easy
Distribution:		Found throughout Europe, North Africa, in Asia with moderate climates, and in North America. Highly adaptable!
Natural habitat:		Prefers sunny lawns, but is also found in cities, plantations, and many other habitats.
Number of queens:		monogynous (1 maximum per colony)
Queen :		Size: 9mm Colour: Black, with slight lighter brown highlights (not to be confused with Lasius grandis, brunneus, emarginatus, etc).
Female workers:		Size: 3 – 5mm Colour: Black, with slight lighter brown highlights (not to be confused with Lasius grandis, brunneus, emarginatus, etc) .
Soldiers:		Not present
Males:		Size: 3.5 – 4.5mm Color: Black
Food :		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, absolutely! Approximately 2 to 4 months in winter at temperatures between 5 and 15°C. A rather cold wintering environment is recommended.
Natural nest:		It 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 ant farm:		5 to 20cm at the beginning.
Substrate:		Not essential, but likes to dig.
Plantation:		Lives in contact with plants, grasses, meadows, forest… But planting is not recommended in the nest.
Nest decoration:		Dry decor with pebbles, dry wood, sand, etc.
Lifespan:		1 to 3 years for worker bees, up to 28 years for the queen!
Life cycle:		Swarming from May to the end of June, claustral 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 as per option.