ANTSTORE World of Ants (F)  >> English forum (F)  >> Experience with european ants (F)  >> Lasius (F)
 [1]   [2] 

Click to view full story of "Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together"

highered: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (26. Mai 2009 16:27)

I went round my mum's on the bank holiday weekend and I checked on her many Lasius niger and Lasius flavus nests. I was very suprised to find, under one pavemnent stone, two different species living right next to each other. Half the space was taken up by the Lasius flavus, the other half by the niger. I thought Lasius niger was aggressive? I know Lasius flavus is passive, so can understand them not fighting the niger, but wouldn't the niger fight them away? They was no evidence of the niger even using them as slaves (I know they wouldn't do this anyway). The two nests were completely seperate, but right next to each other. Amazing isn't it?

baumarkthammer: Re: flavus and niger together (26. Mai 2009 19:14)

Well in nature it happens sometimes. But as pets ants act very different and would kill each other.
In nature for example the majors of a Campontus spec. colony grow much bigger. But i never saw a L. flavus colony under a stone...

klasi: Re: flavus and niger together (26. Mai 2009 22:14)

Hello,

i've often seen Lasius flavus under a stone togehter with Lasius niger.


,Klasi

damondeionno: Re: flavus and niger together (26. Mai 2009 22:28)

This is quite common in my experience. Stones, wood, etc. I imagine the flavus just keep their nest secured.

SteveUK28: Re: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (27. Mai 2009 10:19)

As long as there is plenty of food for both colonys then there really is no need for them to fight. I've seen it in my garden a few times.

JimmyVe: Re: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (30. Mai 2009 10:18)

In deed, if they everything they need why take the risk in a fight, that will only waken the colony. Don't try it at home. :)

highered: Re: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (4. Jun 2009 16:00)

Thats interesting, but if it works in nature, surely it might work in captivity, if both nests are given enough food and space?

JimmyVe: Re: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (4. Jun 2009 22:01)

True, but its hard to give them all the space they need in captivity. :)

Phasmid: Re: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (4. Jun 2009 22:33)

I have come across many examples of Lasius flavus sharing a rock with Laisus niger, Myrmica and Formica fusca.
Each time they seemed calm at first, but I noticed that if ant of one sp wandered into the area of ground (that I have exposed) of another sp, they would get very upset and fight, so each different ant sp must keep them selves to them selves if possible.
I have also found Myrmica sharing a mound with Lasius flavus. But, if I damage the mound, the Myrmica start killing the L.flavus workers after a few minutes.
If you were to try this in captivity, you need loads of space to prevent conflict.

Eaglesword: Re: Lasius flavus and Lasius niger together (4. Jun 2009 22:51)

Even partner speciae that live door to door separate theire nests, but the workers take food side by side and r allied in defending theire territories and nests.


 [1]   [2]