Formicinae
Beginner
Lasius niger
Black garden ant
The quintessential garden ant of Europe. Founding queens are widely available every summer nuptial flight and colonies mature quickly, reaching thousands of workers within a few years.
Origin
Europe, temperate Asia
Worker size
3–5 mm
Optimal temp
20–25°C
Humidity
50%
Care notes
Extremely hardy and forgiving of care mistakes — the classic first species for new keepers across Europe.
Diet
Honeydew, sugar water, and small insects; famously tends aphids for honeydew in the wild.