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Lasius japonicus
A common dark-brown Lasius ant of parks and gardens. Monogynous, yet mature colonies reach tens of thousands; hardy and a classic beginner species.
Lasius japonicus is a formicine ant distributed from Hokkaido to the Tokara Islands, and abroad in the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. Workers measure 2.5-3.5mm and queens 7-9mm; the body is dark brown throughout. It is the commonest ant from grassland to forest and from lowlands to above 2,000m in central Honshu, nesting in soil near rotten wood or inside decaying logs. The Japanese population long went under the name of the European Lasius niger, but since 1992 the name L. japonicus has been applied. Nuptial flights take place in the early morning in July-August. Colonies are monogynous, yet mature colonies reach tens of thousands of workers. It is known for tending aphids, protecting them from predators in exchange for honeydew. Abundant even in cities, hardy and fairly tolerant of temperature swings and fasting, it is a standard species recommended to first-time ant keepers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tobiiro Ant lives Queens 5-10 years.
The Tobiiro Ant grows to Workers 2.5-3.5mm, queens 7-9mm.
The ideal temperature for the Tobiiro Ant is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Hokkaido to Kyushu, Yakushima, Tokara Islands; Korean Peninsula, Taiwan
Lifespan
Queens 5-10 years
Sources: AntRoom: How to keep ants (JP) / Wikipedia (ja): トビイロケアリ / Japanese Ant Image Database (トビイロケアリ)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Lasius japonicus Santschi, 1941
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Workers 2.5-3.5mm, queens 7-9mm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Sugars such as honeydew or sugar water plus insects (omnivorous)
Keep at 23-25C, never above 30C. Honshu stock overwinters indoors unheated. Small and prone to desiccation, so keep the test tube watered.
Nuptial flights occur in the early morning in July-August. A dealated queen kept alone in a test tube rears her first workers without feeding.
Monogynous; cannot be housed with other colonies or species. Easily confused with close relatives such as Lasius alienus, so avoid mixing them.
Mature colonies reach tens of thousands of workers, so link additional plaster nests as they grow.
At 2.5-3.5mm it escapes easily; a sealed container and escape barrier are essential. Soak liquid food into cotton to prevent drowning.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Tobiiro Ant is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Tobiiro Ant is Queens 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Tobiiro Ant typically reaches Workers 2.5-3.5mm, queens 7-9mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Tobiiro Ant feeds on: Sugars such as honeydew or sugar water plus insects (omnivorous). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Tobiiro Ant varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026