How to feed Lasius niger
Lasius niger is the most commonly kept ant in Europe: hardy, forgiving and ideal for beginners. Yet feeding it correctly is the number one question new keepers ask.
Recommended for beginners
What does Lasius niger eat?
- Protein: fruit flies, small crickets, flies, chopped mealworms. Protein mostly feeds the larvae.
- Sugar: sugar water (1 part sugar to 1 part water) or diluted honey. In the wild it farms aphids for their honeydew.
- Avoid: insects collected where pesticides are used, and fatty or salty human food.
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) | 4 prey items every 4 days | 2 drops |
| 150 (Growing) | 13 prey items every 3 days | 6 drops |
| 400 (Established) | 31 prey items every 3 days | 15 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
From November to March, at 5–10 °C (41–50 °F). Hibernation is essential: without it the queen wears out and lays less in spring.
Common mistakes
- Feeding a queen during claustral founding: she lives on her reserves, and opening the tube stresses her.
- Leaving prey leftovers for more than 24 h: mould is guaranteed in a small test tube.
- Giving too much at once to a small colony: a few fruit flies are enough at first.
FAQ
How often should I feed Lasius niger?
Protein every 3 to 5 days depending on colony size; sugar available at all times, refreshed every 3 to 4 days.
Does Lasius niger eat seeds?
Very little. It is not a seed harvester: stick to insects and sugar.
Should I feed during hibernation?
No protein. Just keep water available, and a little sugar if the colony stays slightly active.
Amounts and timings are average guidelines, not rules. Always adjust to what you see in your own colony (leftovers, appetite, brood).