Size, Shape and Colour: The queens are 3.6mm, however the workers and males vary from 2-3mm, they have a large head with slightly elbowed antennae and black eyes, the males will have wings, they are a pale yellow, however queens are darker in colour. The ants have darker heads and abdomens than the rest of the body.
Biology: Approximatley 350 eggs are laid by the queen of which the larvae hatch in 2 weeks and are fed by workers, soon after pupation takes place then full grown ants hatch but however this process is temperature dependent. Ideal nests temperatures are 25oC and humid. Nests can become too large and “budding” takes place, this procedure entails young queens and a number of workers breakaway from colony to find new nesting sites.
Preferred Foods: Any organic matter, sweet and high protein food stuffs.
Habitat: Throughout the UK. Increasing in their range. They need heated buildings to survive, will exploit drains, ducting, cladded pipes and once established can spread quickly throughout any domestic or commercial premises.
