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Odontomachus deserticola

Uploaded by mbullock42086 , Aug 17 2024 2:15 PM
odontomachus deserticola ponerinae trapjaw ant pupae brood

Odontomachus deserticola

Looks like collecting those males was the right idea- they're all fertile now.

The literature on desertorum (as scarce as it is) claims this species is matinal and a morning flier, which I have found to be false.

this species badly needs more studying, just about everything I've read doesnt add up. I've been observing the colony in my yard and all flights were at nightfall triggered by an exiting low pressure system, which kicks up winds which they require to fly properly.

I've watched them try to fly when blocked from the wind- they barely get off the ground. their lanky bodies and huge mandibles make them very ungainly. kinda like how condors have trouble getting off the ground without wind.


i believe many of the alates people were seeing in the morning were actually the remnants of the flight the night before, still looking for a suitable place to found- i never see alates in the morning hours.