Care Sheet – Lasius niger

Description

Lasius niger, or the black garden ant, is a common species in North America and Europe. Easy to raise and resilient, it is ideal for beginners. Its monogynous colonies can reach several thousand workers and are known for their high activity and opportunistic behavior.

Breeding Conditions

• Colony Size: From a few workers to several thousand.

• Colony Type: Monogynous (one queen).

• Development: Moderate growth, first worker in 4 to 8 weeks after founding.

Feeding

• 🍯 Sugar: Mainly sugary liquids (diluted honey, sweet water, maple syrup).

• 🐜 Proteins: Small insects (flies, mealworms, small pieces of crickets).

• 💡 Tip: Vary the food sources for better colony health.

Environmental Conditions

• 🌡 Ideal Temperature: 20-26°C

• 💦 Humidity: Medium (50-70%), moderate in the foraging area.

• 🏠 Recommended Nest: 3D-printed nest, modular and scalable, perfect for adapting to the colony's growth.

Diapause

• ❄ Period: From November to February.

• 🌡 Temperature: 5-10°C (refrigerator or cool room).

• ⏳ Duration: 2 to 3 months.

Tip: Reduce food before diapause and gradually reintroduce it afterward.

Particularities

✔ Easy to raise, ideal for beginners.

✔ Tolerant to humidity and temperature fluctuations.

✔ Very active and responsive to external stimuli.

✔ Adapts perfectly to 3D-printed nests, ensuring an optimized and modular habitat according to the colony's needs.