Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2012 21:20:27 GMT 1
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[bg=fbd9bd] Photo from www.myrmecos.net |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Taxonomy: Formicinae (Lasius) Colony type: Monogynous (Single queen) Queen: Fully Claustral Color: Light-Dark Brown, shiny Size: Queen 7-9 mm / Workers 2-5 mm Distribution: North America Nutrition: Honey water, fruits, small insects, Temperature: Room temperature - 3-4 degrees warmer Hibernation: Definitely, queens usually don’t start colonies until after hibernation Air humidity: Moderate climate Nest building: Natural; sand, soil, loam. Artificial; Pumice, Y-Tong, Plaster, Glass, ect. Planting: Not Necessary Class: Medium |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Lasius neoniger is a light to dark brown subspecies of Lasius niger, and the species have two major differences. Firstly, L. neoniger is only prominent in North America, while Lasius niger is native to Europe. There are some cases in which Lasius niger is found, but this is likely the result of poor identification rather than the same species as the Lasius niger in Europe. Lasius neoniger do not sting or use formic acid, rather they overpower their enemies by numbers and brute force. Mature nests usually contain from 1,000 to 10,000 individuals, and queens live for 15-20 years in proper conditions. They will eat insects, nectar, honey, sugar water, and fruits. Lasius neoniger are also known as ‘Labor Day Ants’ since their flights are almost always on Labor day or the day after it. |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Information Needed. |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Lasius neoniger is fairly strictly monogynous and queens kept together usually don’t even least until their first workers. If they do make it until first workers, they won’t last long before either they fight or the workers attack one. Mating flights occur in late summer, from mid-August to late September. The queens can be found after noon in great abundance. 90% of all queens found will not produce colonies or lay eggs until after hibernation. Once brought out however, they are rumored to lay like no tomorrow, and usually produce 15-20 workers on their first go around. For reasons unknown, L. neoniger is a species that often fails in captivity for reasons unknown to us. I suspect that they die of hunger after fasting for 6 months. I advice that after hibernation you feed your queens a drop of honey to replenish their stores. |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Lasius neoniger seem to prefer their nests on the wetter side, and use of dirt/sand is advised for comfort. Because of their small size, formicariums will last long, and colonies can get quite large, quickly. Lasius neoniger can be kept in Plaster, Hydrostone, Y-Tong (Rarely), Pumice, Slim Nests, Tanks, and of course trusty test tubes. Use of sand/soil is advised in a set-up to facilitate cocoon forming. |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Lasius neoniger eat insects, nectar, honey, sugar water, fruits, and also are aphid farmers. They also need access to fresh water at all times. |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] Lasius in general do not sting or shoot formic acid. They are fairly challenging to keep, but are suitable for kids 13 and up, depending on maturity level. Lasius are very sly ants and are very inquisitive about their world. Petroleum Jelly/Vaseline is often used as an escape deterrant. |
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| [bg=fbd9bd] L. neoniger will almost always hibernate and doing so is very important for them. It is possible to not hibernate them, but is not advised. In captivity, Lasius may not hibernate, though their lifespan may be shortened. If your ants hibernate in the wild, then I advise lowering their temperature during the winter months, for at least two months. |
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