Yellow Meadow Ant - Lasius Flavus - Beginner Species
 
Lasius flavus, is a ground dweller spending its their underground. They prefer not to move out in the open visible to the sun and predators. Being so small and nimble they have evolved perfectly for a life beneath the grass. Constructing long small tunnels they can travel great distance in their hunt for insects and new lovestock. By livestock of course we mean Aphids! Flavus collect and grow their own aphids underground providing roots for them to eat safely in return for honeydew. They are very shy and friendly ants.
 
Although Lasius flavus is a fully claustral species, able to form new societies with a single queen they more often than not choose to found colonies with multiple queens. It is very common for the queens to huddle up together in large groups in what’s called pleometrosis [multiple founding queens].
 
This does not end well however, they find it more suitable separating up in the nest to avoid fighting the other queens to the death.  
 
Why are they perfect for beginners? because they are so shy, they can live comfortably in a nest (especially a sandwich nest) and will seldom need an outworld in mass numbers. Their nature means they will not try to escape at every oppourtunity either. All in they grow very fast too which means younger antkeepers who like quick results will be pacified. 
 
Colony Size
Up to 10,000 workers per queen
Ideal spots with multiple queens can reach 100,000 workers in no time.
Queen Age
Up to 22 years with an average of 18 years
Temperature
Room Temperature 18 to 25 degrees
Hibernation
Yes - Late October to Early March at 5 to 10 degrees
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
No
Sting
No
Bite
Not Noticable
Diet
Insects (namely arthropods), Sugars, Carbs
Nest Type
Acrylic, Sand, Earth, Ytong, Plaster, Glass
Size
Queen - 8mm
Worker - 2mm-4mm 
Development
Egg to Adult Worker - 8 to 9 weeks
Humidity
40% to 50%