Species: Lasius flavus
Collected: 16th August 2008
Ref: FLA01
I collected this colony from under a stone on hillside moorland in Northumberland. There were many hundreds of workers present, but due to lack of large containers and a trowel or spade at hand, I only managed to collect 150 workers and some 200 cocoons. Since adding additional cocoons (and many of the originals having hatched), I estimate the numbers to be 350 workers and 100 cocoons as of the 31st August.
L. flavus has surprised me in captivity, adapting very well to its new environment. I inadvertently collected a large number of males and winged females with this colony, I've since separated many of these, but have also noticed that the rate at which those left behind perish is much greater than that of the workers, suggesting they are being killed off as they are now redundant.
The flavus are readily taking honey water which I'm supplying in small droplets two to three times a week. They are yet to show an interest in insect prey, avoiding both live and freshly killed flies and cockroaches.
Being the master nest builders that they are, they very quickly constructed a mound with an intricate network of tunnels and numerous nest entrances. Any disturbances caused to the nests integrity is rapidly repaired.
Unlike captive Myrmica, the flavus do not rush out in readiness when the container lid is removed or the container itself is knocked or moved into light.
Tags: flavus | Keeping Ants
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