Lasius flavus (Yellow Meadow Ant)

Lasius flavus (Yellow Meadow Ant)
 
The Yellow meadow ant is a small, slender species with a yellow or orange colour. It is typically associated with large, numerous colonies. These colonies are often easily spotted by the mound-like nests they create as they turn over soil, which can reach widths of 1-3 meters.
 
While Lasius flavus can be found in both urban and rural areas, they are most abundant in acidic soil, typically found in heathlands, grasslands, and areas surrounding forests.
 
In the UK, they are one of the most common species, alongside Myrmica rubra and Lasius niger.
 
In the wild, nests are usually located in grassy areas or beneath decaying wood. Interestingly, Lasius flavus primarily carries out its daily activities underground.
Rather than foraging on the surface, workers focus on tasks within the mounds, where a “forest” of plant roots awaits.
 
These ants have a mutualistic relationship with root aphids, farming them for the honeydew and proteins they produce. In return, the ants protect the aphids from predators and ensure their access to water and nutrients, essentially treating them like livestock.
 
This species is very docile, making it a great choice for beginners. While their colony development is slow, especially in the early stages, this can be an advantage if you have limited space. Lasius flavus is a popular species in the ant-keeping hobby because of their great diggingin abilities and small, active, and harmless nature.
 
They remain active throughout the year but would benefit from a short hibernation period from December to March.
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.