Black Garden Ant Nest

They are about twice the size.

Black garden ant nest. Platythorax which is found in forest habitats. Lasius niger queens are extremely tenacious their average life expectancy is 15 years and some even survive for up to 30 years. Black garden ants colonies can have up to 10000 workers. They live in colonies that consist mainly of workers sterile wingless females.

They generally nest underground sometimes in large colonies invading homes and gardens seeking food. The black garden ant has been known to nest in cracks in foundations then make its way into homes. The black garden ant lasius niger also known as the common black ant is a formicine ant the type species of the subgenus lasius which is found across europe and in some parts of north america south america asia and australasiathe european species was split into two species. The european ants of the species tend to mate during hot summer days in july and august while.

Black garden ants are monogyn one queen per colony. Black or dark brown workers are about 3 5 mm 316 of an inch long. Often found under paving stones and bricks but may also nest in the rotting wood of houses. So during warm days when the sun is up.

Ants are social insects. The black garden ant lasius niger also known as the common black ant is a real headache for gardeners. She has been known to live for up to 29 years see ant fact 4. Niger which are found in open areas.

The queen is larger up to 15 mm long and mid brown in colour but is only seen if the nest is excavated. The black garden ant workers are 4 6 mm long wingless and black or dark brown. 3 5mm black with reddish legs and antenna. Colonies of the black garden ant contain an average of 5000 individuals but may grown as large as 15000.

Key information these insects are black or dark brown and nest in soil lawns at the base of walls or under flat stones. The nuptial flights take place somewhere between june and september. They nest in grassy areas and eat ripe fruits especially fruits like strawberries. The black garden ant queen is around 9mm with dark brownblack reddish legs and antenna.

They are usually found in large numbers either around their nests in the soil or following each other along their scent trails across the ground and paved areas over walls and into buildings. True to its name the black garden ant is fond of a garden habitat. Argentine ants linepithema humile are the black ants youre most likely to see in your yard.