Lasius platythorax - "Flat-thorax Lasius Ant"
Lasius platythorax is a fascinating European ant species often confused with the common black garden ant, Lasius niger, due to their similar appearance. However, a key distinguishing feature is its noticeably flatter thorax, which helps it navigate tight spaces. Workers typically range from 3 to 5 millimeters, while queens can reach up to 9 millimeters in length. They are generally dark brown to black in color, sometimes with lighter, yellowish-brown tinged legs and antennae. Unlike L. niger, this species prefers natural, damp habitats like woodlands and heaths and is less commonly found in urban gardens. They are known to be quite aggressive and will readily bite.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Origin & Habitat: Europe and parts of Asia (Eurosiberian, largely temperate-subboreal). in Primarily found in woodlands, damp heaths, wet grasslands, and bogs. They often nest in dead wood, such as rotting tree stumps and fallen trunks, but can also be found in peat, leaf litter, and grass tussocks..
- Colony Type: Monogyne (single queen), claustral (queen seals herself in) founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: 8-9mm
- Worker: 3-5mm
- Colony: Medium (thousands). Fast, can raise a few hundred workers in the second year. Colonies can reach up to several thousand workers, with some sources suggesting up to 10,000 workers. growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Optimal temperature range is 21-28°C. Warmer temperatures generally accelerate brood development..
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity, around 50-60%..
- Diapause: Required. 4-4 months at 5-8°C.
- Nesting: Prefers organic substrates. Ideal nests are often found in decaying wood, such as rotting stumps and fallen logs. They can also nest in peat, leaf litter, and grass tussocks. For artificial setups, they adapt well to various formicaria, including those with soil or wood inserts..
- Behavior: Medium (towards handler, food or other ants) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Humidity fluctuations, Mold in nest, Mites, Colony stalling, Overfeeding leading to waste.
One unique aspect of Lasius platythorax is its similarity to Lasius niger, making identification a bit tricky for new keepers. While both species are dark in color and found in Europe, L. platythorax has a distinctly flatter thorax and sparser hairs on its clypeus. When searching for a queen during nuptial flights or observing a colony in the wild, look for these subtle differences to ensure accurate identification. They tend to stick to more natural, damp environments rather than heavily urbanized areas, which is another clue.
These ants are known for their aggressive nature, especially when threatened. While they don't possess a powerful sting like some other species, they will bite and spray formic acid for defense. When interacting with your colony, always exercise caution and avoid sudden movements that might startle them. Providing a secure and escape-proof outworld is crucial to prevent any unexpected encounters, given their readiness to defend their territory.
Lasius platythorax queens are remarkably resilient and can tolerate temporary shortages of food and water, making them a good choice for beginners. Their expected lifespan can range from 5 to 10 years, and under optimal conditions, a queen might even live for 20 to 30 years. This longevity means you can enjoy watching your colony grow and thrive for many years, provided consistent care and a stable environment.
In their natural habitat, Lasius platythorax, like many other Lasius species, have a mutualistic relationship with aphids, farming them for their sugary honeydew. In captivity, this translates to a diet rich in sugars, such as honey water, alongside a variety of insect protein. Ensuring a steady supply of both these food sources will promote healthy colony growth and worker vitality. It's always best to offer a diverse diet to mimic their natural foraging habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to tell Lasius platythorax apart from Lasius niger?
Distinguishing Lasius platythorax from Lasius niger can be a bit tricky, but the key lies in subtle morphological differences and habitat preferences. L. platythorax has a flatter thorax and sparser hairs on its clypeus (the front plate of their head). In the wild, L. platythorax prefers damp woodlands and avoids urban environments, whereas L. niger is commonly found in gardens and pavements. For antkeepers, observing these features, especially the clypeus, can help differentiate them, though it might require a good magnifying glass or even a microscope for certainty.
How large can a Lasius platythorax colony get?
A Lasius platythorax colony can grow quite large, typically reaching several thousand workers. Some sources even suggest they can get up to 10,000 workers under ideal conditions. They have a relatively fast growth rate, so you can expect a few hundred workers by the second year if your queen is well-cared for. This means you'll need a formicarium that can accommodate significant expansion over time.
What should I feed my Lasius platythorax colony?
Lasius platythorax are omnivores, meaning they enjoy both sugary liquids and insect protein. Their natural diet often includes honeydew from aphids and various small insects. In your ant setup, you should offer honey water or sugar water as a primary carbohydrate source, and a variety of feeder insects like fruit flies, mealworms, or small crickets for protein. Always ensure the insects are free of pesticides.
Do Lasius platythorax need to hibernate?
Yes, Lasius platythorax requires a diapause period, often referred to as hibernation, to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the colony. This typically lasts from late November to late March, at temperatures between 5-8°C. Mimicking their natural overwintering cycle is crucial for queen longevity and consistent brood production in the following active season.
Are Lasius platythorax aggressive towards keepers or other ants?
Lasius platythorax is considered a moderately aggressive species. While they don't have a potent sting, they are known to bite and can spray formic acid for defense when they feel threatened. They are quite defensive of their nest and territory. When it comes to interspecies aggression, they have been observed as hosts for temporary parasitic Lasius species, but their inherent aggressiveness can make invasion challenging for such parasites.
What type of nest is best for Lasius platythorax?
In the wild, Lasius platythorax commonly nests in organic substrates, especially decaying wood like rotting tree stumps and fallen logs. They can also be found in peat, leaf litter, and even grass tussocks. For antkeeping, they adapt well to various formicarium types. Nests that incorporate naturalistic elements or provide good humidity, such as Ytong, acrylic setups with a moist substrate area, or even natural wood setups, would be suitable. They also tolerate loose, sandy soil.
How long does it take for Lasius platythorax eggs to develop into workers?
The development time from egg to adult worker for Lasius platythorax is typically between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the ambient temperature and feeding conditions. Consistent warmth within their preferred temperature range will help ensure a steady and efficient brood cycle.
Where can I find Lasius platythorax queens?
Lasius platythorax queens typically undertake their nuptial flights on warm days during July and August, often a few hours before sunset. Look for them near their preferred habitats, such as damp woodlands, heaths, and areas with decaying wood. After their flight, newly mated queens will seek a suitable spot to start their claustral colony, often under logs or in soil.
Are Lasius platythorax a good species for beginner antkeepers?
Yes, Lasius platythorax is generally considered an easy species to keep, making them a good choice for beginner antkeepers. Their queens are quite resilient, and they can adapt well to various conditions. Their relatively fast growth rate and ability to form sizable colonies provide a rewarding antkeeping experience. Just be mindful of their humidity and temperature requirements, and ensure they get their necessary diapause.
Can Lasius platythorax form supercolonies?
Some sources suggest that Lasius platythorax can form 'supercolonies' with thousands of interconnected nests spanning vast areas, demonstrating remarkable cooperation. While not as commonly cited for this specific behavior as some other Lasius species, their capacity for large colonies and presence in diverse environments could hint at such potential. Observing their nesting habits closely in a spacious setup might reveal aspects of this behavior.
