James' Lasius niger journal

[James O'Neill]

I received 2 colonies of Lasius niger in the post this morning; but for simplicity's sake, I'll just do a journal on one (C1) to make it less confusing. Though if anything particularly interesting happens with the other (C2), I'll post it.

The colony in question (C1) has the queen, which, I am told, flew on the 22nd July. There are about 18 little workers and a large pile of larvae and 2 cocoons. They are in a tube currently which in a larger foraging box, and the workers are eagerly exploring it. They have made short work of a mosquito, are tearing into a cranefly now and went mad over some honey water, filling their gasters and giving it all to the queen, who is now very fat.

A very healthy colony; I could not ask for more really.

I look forward to its development.

[James O'Neill]

Not too much activity, they have taken a small insect or two and there's usually a worker out foraging, but other than that very quiet. They could be slowing down for hibernation.
A couple of the larvae have pupated and the rest seem to be growing.

[James O'Neill]

Again, not much to report on, pretty much exactly the same as above: taking small insects, one or two foragers, growing larvae and still just a couple of cocoons.

[James O'Neill]

Plenty of larval growth and a couple more cocoons produced.