Lasius Grandis - Beginner Species
"The Southern Garden Ant"
 
The Southern Garden ant Grandis are often tarred with the same brush as Lasius Niger, whenever a search is done you will see "similar but not" ,"Slightly Different". But Grandis are their own Species, they are wonderful and they are definitely deserving a non comparative description.
 
After all they are beautiful with their slight golden colouring to the Gaster. Grandis are found in parks, grassland, gardens and streets across the south of Spain and northern Africa. 
 
They absolutely love warm brood and instinctively bring it to the surface during the day where the soil or pavement is hottest, returning to the depths during the night. 
 
This tactic is what makes Grandis so great as a beginner species, they "just know" how to maximise their growth and reward your time with a bursting colony that will reach 10K+ in just a few short years if you keep their conditions right.
 
It is this diversity which also enables them to be very forgiving in their environment. Making the best of any given situation is a trait they employ and may be a reason why there are so many long lasting colonies living 20 or even 30+ years.
 
Dont be fooled though, they are avid hunters. They are extremely tough ants and with their impressive numbers they can will quickly subdue neighbouring colonies and protect resources. Even forming foraging lines to their food sources, Aphids being one such commodity which are guarded in numbers.
 
Although on the outset they are similar to other species, Grandis as the name suggests are bigger. Maybe not in length but they have a larger gaster. This makes them more efficient carrying food to the colony.
 
Perfect for beginners and experienced keepers alike. These agile and fun ants will entertain you no end while you enjoy the behaviour's and organisation of this fast growing and forgiving species.
 
Colony Size
Up to 10,000 workers
Queen
Age up to 30 years
Monogyne - One queen per colony
Fully Claustral - No food needed until first workers
Temperature
Room Temperature 21 to 24 degrees
Hibernation
Yes - December to Feb at 11 to 15 degrees
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
No
Sting | Bite | Spray
No
Diet
Insects, Sugars, Carbs
Nest Type
Acrylic, Sand, Earth, Ytong, Plaster, Glass
Size
Queen - 9mm-9.5mm
Worker - 3mm-5mm 
Development
Egg to Adult Worker - 6 to 8 weeks