Description

The appearence of this species is similar to the popular Lasius niger. It is a rare ant, but easy to keep. They are monogyn (single queen), claustral, and can adapt well to any conditions. Workers are small (3-4 mm) and have brownish black color. The number of the colony can reach up to several thousand workers. They dig their nest into the loose, sandy soil mostly, but they can settle anywhere. In their natural habitat they keep and care aphids on plants. Aphids secrete honeydew, which is a perfect nutrient for ants. Workers look for food at the ground, sometimes on plants. They are agressive, besides their mandibles, they defends themselves by spraying acid. The queen is quite resilient, can tolerate the temporary water and food shortages. The expected lifespan of the queen is 5-10 years, but in ideal conditions can reach up to 20-30 years!

Food: Honey and insects.

Reproduction:  Eggs require 6-8 weeks to become mature workers (depends on temperature). This species is reproduce quite fast, can raise a few hundred workers in the second year.

Hibernation: At 5-8°C-on, from the end of November to the end of March.
More information about hibernation can be found in this  video.