Lasius flavus, commonly known as the Yellow Meadow Ant, is a unique species of ant that can be kept as pets. 
 
Obtaining a Lasius flavus Queen
There are several methods to acquire a queen, including catching one in the wild or purchasing one from a reputable seller like ourselves. The queen measures 7-9mm in length, males measure 3-4mm, and workers measure 2-5mm.
 
Choosing the Perfect Lasius Flavus Formicarium
Once you have obtained a Lasius Flavus queen, providing her with a suitable habitat is crucial to establishing a healthy colony. A formicarium is an artificial ant nest that mimics the natural environment of ants. Read about suitable ant farms and how to look after these creatures: How to look after a Lasius Flavus (Yellow Meadow Ant Farm at home)?
 
Providing the Right Diet for Lasius Flavus Ants
You should feed them protein-rich food and sweets twice a week. For instance, feed your ants live insects or protein jelly every Monday and Friday. Give them sweets, organic honey or fruit (half a grape, a similar amount of a banana, etc.) on Wednesday and Saturday.
 
Essential Care Tips for Lasius Flavus Colonies
Here are some essential care tips to keep in mind:
The air humidity should be about 70-80%. The temperature should be between 22°C and 26°C.
Provide a consistent food source and regularly replenish it to meet their nutritional requirements.
Regularly clean the formicarium to prevent the buildup of mould or harmful bacteria. Dispose of any uneaten food 2–3 days after serving it. 
Avoid nest disturbances or sudden temperature changes that may stress the ants.
 
In conclusion, Lasius Flavus queens offer an intriguing opportunity to observe and care for these remarkable insects.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long do Yellow Meadow ant colonies typically live?
A Lasius Flavus colony with a healthy queen can live 15–20 years in captivity when properly cared for. 
 
2. Can I keep multiple Yellow Meadow ant queens in the same colony?
No, Lasius Flavus are monogynous, meaning they naturally have only one queen per colony. 
 
3. Why are my Yellow Meadow ants not building tunnels?
There are several potential reasons:
The soil might be too compacted—try loosening it slightly
The moisture level may be incorrect—aim for slightly damp but not wet soil
The ants may need time to acclimate—give them 1-2 weeks to settle in
The colony might be too small—fewer than 15-20 workers may focus on queen care rather than tunnelling
Your farm might have too much light exposure—move to a slightly dimmer location
 
4. How do I know if my Yellow Meadow ant queen is healthy?
A healthy Lasius Flavus queen will:
Have a plump, shiny abdomen (gaster)
Move steadily but not frantically
Be attended to by worker ants
Produce eggs regularly during active seasons
Have clean antennae and limbs
 
5. Can Yellow Meadow ants escape through air holes in my farm?
Yellow Meadow ants (Lasius Flavus) workers are approximately 2-5mm in size, so any hole larger than 1mm could potentially allow escape. Use PTFE Fluon as recommended in our main guide to create a non-stick barrier.
 
6. Do Yellow Meadow ants need direct access to water?
No, Yellow Meadow ants should not have direct access to liquid water, as they can drown easily. 
 
7. Why have my Yellow Meadow ants stopped taking protein food?
This is normal during certain periods. 
 
8. Can I add wild-caught insects to feed my Yellow Meadow ants?
Yes, but with important precautions:
Only collect insects from areas free of pesticides and pollutants
Freeze insects for 24 hours before offering to kill potential parasites
Never introduce non-native species which could escape and become invasive