Ah no good man, they aren't to hard to keep. I'm quite new to keeping ants and I'm having no problem keeping them. I have three queens successfully take to host Lasius workers, and they are all very content now that the queens are laying eggs. I had two die on me when I left them to long without workers, not knowing the queen was a social parasite. Trial and error are a big part of keeping ants so expect some hiccups, but don't let them discourage you.
http://www.formicult...asius-umbratus/
We have a page on the forum with Lasius umbratus info and Bat has really great info to share(Bat you have a big write up on Yuku forum correct?). If you find another one give it a try, they are a very interesting species to keep.
Current queens/colonies
Camponotus novaeboracensis x2
Camponotus pennsylvanicus x2
Camponotus herculeanus x1
Formica sp. x1
Lasius americanus x1 (Lasius alienus)
Lasius neoniger x1
Crematogastor cerasi x1
Myrmica sp. x1