The nuptial flights of the common black ant, Lasius niger, occur in Europe during the summer months of July and August. After mating, the males soon die, and the queens discard their wings, dig out chambers and begin laying eggs. They spend the rest of their lives, among the longest of any insect, continually laying eggs for their colonies. German entomologist Hermann Appel kept one Lasius niger queen alive for almost 29 years.