Lasius niger Queen Starter Set

• One 2026 UK flight-caught Lasius niger queen.
• Hydrated test tube founding setup.
• Antastic Tom Founding Pod.
• Sugar-water bottle with needle-tip applicator.
• Feeding tray.
• Starter care instructions.

Your queen was collected by Antastic Tom following a natural UK nuptial flight and will be checked alive before dispatch.

As with any newly caught queen, successful mating and colony founding cannot be guaranteed. Wing loss is encouraging but does not prove that a queen has mated successfully.

Lasius niger queens are fully claustral and normally raise their first workers using stored energy reserves. Keep the queen somewhere stable, covered and away from repeated disturbance.

She does not normally need feeding before her first workers arrive. Once the workers are active, the test tube can open into the Founding Pod and small portions of sugar water and insect protein can be offered on the feeding tray.

Orders containing live ants will only be dispatched when postal and weather conditions are considered suitable.

Full dispatch days, delivery areas and weather-delay information will be available on the Live Ant Delivery page.

Open the parcel promptly and inspect the queen without removing her from the test tube.

Any arrival problem must be reported promptly with the order number and clear photographs of the queen, test tube and packaging. Full reporting requirements will be stated on the Live Ant Delivery page.

Does the queen need feeding immediately?
Normally, no. Lasius niger is fully claustral and should usually be left undisturbed until the first workers arrive.

Should I move her into the optional nest?
No. The nest is future equipment. The queen should remain in her test tube until the colony has workers and there is a genuine reason to move.

How often should I check her?
Keep checks brief and infrequent. Repeated handling, light and vibration provide no benefit during founding.

Is successful founding guaranteed?
No. Every queen will be checked alive before dispatch, but fertility, egg laying and successful colony development cannot be guaranteed.

Is Lasius niger suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is a hardy UK-native species that is generally straightforward to house and feed, although every colony still requires responsible care.