Yellow Ants
Yellow meadow ants
Why this species? About them.
Yellow meadow ants (known as Lasius flavus) are a unique and fascinating species to keep. Their bright yellow colour and underground lifestyle make them an intriguing choice for antkeepers who enjoy a a timid, peaceful colony who will not be trying to break out of their home. These ants are perfect for those who want to observe a more secretive colony.
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Yellow Meadow Ants are a calm and secretive species that primarily live underground. Unlike other ants, they rarely forage on the surface, making them an excellent choice for those who love to observe the inner workings of a colony through their nest. Their unique behaviours and bright yellow colour make them an exciting choice for beginners who enjoy something a little different.
Life Cycle and colony size.
From humble beginnings to bustling colonies, yellow ants have a captivating life cycle.
The Queen
The Workers
Age: Up to 20+ Years
Size: 8mm
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Does not need feeding until first workers are born.
Can have multiple queens
Age: Up to 2 Years
Size: 2mm-4mm
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Fully grown colonies have more than 10,000 workers per queen.
Growing your colony: Feeding
Feeding your colony is easy too, they need 3 types of nutrition and your starter kit comes with all 3 of them. When you receive your kit, place your sugars in the fridge and your proteins in the freezer.
Water
This should be available at all times and is typically drunk through cotton or plaster.
Sugars
This is to keep the Queen and workers full of energy to forage and stay active.
Proteins
Insect protein enables the queen to lay eggs and the larvae to grow into new workers.
Husbandry: Colony Care
Looking after your colony is straight forward. Weekly maintenance takes just a few minutes which makes them perfect low-maintenance pets.
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Feed them every 3 days: Provide fresh foods and remove waste. Your colony will maintain a waste pile to make your life easier too.
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Keep them at room temperature: Room temperature is fine for this species, you will not need additional heat. They will slow in the winter and become more active in spring through autumn.
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Clean up: Removing waste and dirt regularly will help your colony maintain hygiene levels.
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Minimise disturbance: Try not to knock them or disturb them too much while the colony is small.
Road to success: what next
If you are doing it right then your colony will grow. Although getting to 100 workers from 10 workers will take a good 6 months or so, once they get there they will begin to grow faster and you will be somewhat of an expert at antkeeping. By this point a guide like this will be far to basic for you. But you will be pleased to know that our starter kits are all 100% compatible with any products which have the V2 connection port. We sell everything you need to expand your setup.