Introduction
Common Black Ant (Lasius niger) queens are programmed to lay eggs straight way after the nuptial flight so that they have a viable colony before winter (weather conditions permitting). Personally, the earliest I have seen the first adult workers emerge was 7 weeks after the first eggs were laid. Some observers have stated times as little as 4 weeks and as long as 10 weeks.
Key points below to starting your colony.
Keep the habitat moist
If you're using an aquarium with sand then its very easy to pick out the darker coloured moist sand areas. I usually pour water in moderation directly onto one end of the aquarium where there are no ants. evaporation/condensation will evenly distribute the water out, particularly if its in sunshine. If you're using something smaller than an aquarium then spray the water on using a mist sprayer.
Keep the ants healthy with the right food
Lasius niger is omnivorous and workers both kill insects and scavenge. They also love 50/50 honey water or sugar water for their carbohydrate needs. I usually feed them by cutting up a sponge and soaking it in solution. This localises the feed so you can change it easily. i prefer to feed them on local honey, I know is free of miticide since these compounds could be detrimental to small species like niger.
Feeding the first workers
The first workers will need carbohydrate and protein in the form of insect prey ahead of anything else. Only larva (not small new ones) take solid insect protein for food, workers will, however eat the liquid elements of the prey. New larva are fed on protein and sterile eggs laid by the queen and new workers.
Don't let it go dry, don't let it go mouldy, these are the biggest causes of failure.
Tags: Queen | Niger | Keeping Ants
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