Description

This is a common, unassuming and claustral ant species, monogynous (single-queen), also easy to keep and highly adaptable. Workers are small (3-4mm), and they have brownish-black color, establish colonies consisting of thousands of workers. They often nest underground, preferring loose and sandy soil, but they can adapt to various environments. In the nature, they often raising aphids on plants, because of their sweet honeydew, which is secreted by these insects. Workers are looking for food at ground level or on plants, they show aggression and defend themselves by using acid and mandibles as well. The queen is resilient, can tolerate temporary water or food shortages. The queen’s mating flight is in autumn, she  hibernate in winter, then establishes a colony in the following year. The workers are similar to Lasius niger; however, the queen is larger, more rounded, and possesses more nutrient reserves.

Feeding: With honey and insects.

Reproduction: It takes 6-8 weeks from egg to mature worker (depending on temperature). They reproduce rapidly, and by the second year, a colony can grow up to several hundred workers.

Hibernation: At 5-8°C, from the end of November to the end of March. For more information about hibernation, watch this video.