Lasius flavus - mated queen (cheapest UK supplier 5+ yrs running)

• Taxonomy: Lasius flavus
• Geographic spread: North America, Europe, North Africa. UK native
• Care level: Easy
• Humidity requirements: 30 – 50%
• Temperature requirements: 15 – 30 °C
• Hibernation: October - March
• Suggested housing: Acrylic, Ytong, 3D printed, soil, Lasius flavus are very adaptable
• Habitat: Moist soil, meadows, varies depending on geographic location
• Nuptial flights: June - August
• Nutrition: Sugars from honey or sugar water. Protein from insect sources such as fruit flies
• Colony size: 7,000+ (colonies can grow rapidly)
• Queen’s life expectancy: 15 – 20 years
• Queen size: 6 – 8 mm
• Worker size: 2 – 4 mm
• Castes: Queen, worker
• Lifecycle: Approximately 10 – 12 weeks from egg to adult worker
• Monogyne/polygyne: Monogyne
• Founding style: Claustral
• YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/tMKbItTCBCI

 Lasius flavus, or the yellow meadow ant is commonly found through much of Europe, as well as parts of North America and North Africa. Their habitats vary greatly depending on the region in which they are found. In the UK, they are usually found nesting in moist soil under grassy areas – hence the name meadow ant – forming plant-covered hillocks in the grass. A shy, slow-moving ant, have been known to farm aphids, like their L. niger cousins.

An excellent starter ant, they are incredibly adaptable, do not require special conditions and sleep through the winter. When starting out with just a queen or very small colony, resist the urge to buy big. Keep them in a small formicarium, as they are more comfortable in confined spaces.