Species

Are all ant the same? How many different types are there?

Of the estimated 11,006 or so described species (Sleigh, 2003) of ant living throughout the world today, Britain has no more than 50. Ants are sun loving creatures and our cooler climate is not suited to many of them, however, the species we have here are certainly worthy of study. Many British ants can only be found in Western and Southern England, with Dorset and Hampshire being the most rich in species.

Below are some of the more common ants found in England.

Perhaps the best known ant to the people of England is Lasius niger, the common black garden ant, it certainly is known by our gardeners and household owners due to its tendency to enter houses. It tends to nest under pavements, in soil, along the edges of lawns, in fact almost anywhere. It is a very quick, robust and prolific ant,

using formic acid and its jaws as a means of attack/defence. It's colonies can grow up to a size of 15,000 workers, though about 4000 to 7000 is perhaps the average.They eat insects, nectar, and even the bodies of their own dead, or ants from other colonies. They are also very fond of sugary substances.

They are perhaps one of the easiest ants to keep in captivity due to the fact that they are harmless and possess no sting. They are a very interesting and active ant.

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