How to feed Lasius flavus
Lasius flavus is a small yellow ant that lives almost entirely underground. In the wild it mostly feeds on honeydew from aphids it farms on roots, so in captivity sugar matters more than for Lasius niger.
What does Lasius flavus eat?
- Sugar (main food): sugar water or diluted honey, always available.
- Protein: small prey (fruit flies, cricket pieces) in moderate amounts.
- Tip: it avoids light, so place food near the nest entrance in a dark corner.
How much to feed
Guidelines for a colony with a moderate amount of brood, at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F):
| WORKERS | PROTEIN | SUGAR / 3–4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Nanitics) | 1 prey item every 5 days | 1 drop |
| 50 (Small) | 3 prey items every 4 days | 2 drops |
| 150 (Growing) | 10 prey items every 3 days | 7 drops |
| 400 (Established) | 25 prey items every 3 days | 18 drops |
1 prey item = one insect the size of a fruit fly (2–3 mm). A medium cricket (1 cm) is worth about 50 prey items. 1 drop ≈ 0.05 mL.
These are starting points. If food is left after 24 h, give less; if everything disappears fast and the brood grows, give more. The calculator also adjusts for brood and temperature.
Hibernation
November to March, 5–10 °C. Hibernation is essential.
Common mistakes
- Feeding a claustral founding queen: she lives on her reserves.
- Keeping the nest in bright light: the colony hides and eats less.
- Worrying about slow growth: Lasius flavus grows more slowly than Lasius niger.
FAQ
What does Lasius flavus eat?
Mostly sugar (honeydew in the wild, sugar water or honey in captivity) and small prey for the larvae.
How often should I feed Lasius flavus?
Sugar always available, refreshed every 3–4 days; protein every 4–5 days.
Why do I never see my Lasius flavus?
It is an underground species that avoids light. That is normal.
Amounts and timings are average guidelines, not rules. Always adjust to what you see in your own colony (leftovers, appetite, brood).