2467 replies to this topic

[ReignofRage]

 

 

You're finding Veromessor pergandei out there right now? I didn't know it even rained there.

 

They occasionally fly with no rain, there's been multiple "rainless" flights this year.

[dspdrew]

I don't know how on Earth any queens fly in the desert without rain and survive. I have seen Pogonomyrmex magnacanthus do it too.

[ReignofRage]

V. pergandei are just brutes. I had a couple queens survive in 10ml vials for weeks without water or food.

[Arthroverts]

There was some moisture left from several weeks ago (when some Camponotus flew), and then with this past week being consistently warm it brought out the V. pergandei, more Camponotus, and then something I caught unwittingly, Lipenethma humile.

 

It was interesting today as nearly every other rock I was flipping over had Camponotus queens. And then starting Monday I hear it's supposed to rain all over SoCal...

 

Thanks,

 

Arthroverts

[dspdrew]

Well it rained, but it's going to be cold with no warm-up in sight.

[Arthroverts]

Still raining here to be sure. Veromessor queens are hiding out under pieces of debris and building founding chambers.

 

And shucks, I was hoping it would be warm sooner rather than later; warm and wet brings out a lot more than just ant queens.

 

Thanks,

 

Arthroverts

[yaboiseth]

Yo, It's been a minute since I've even been available to do anything ant related, (besides caring for the ones I already have of course), but it just rained mon-tue and I'm wondering if it would be better to hunt for veromessor in 80 degree weather fri-sat or wait until wednesday when it ramps up to 90-98? My vehicle broke down so I have very limited transportation and I'm trying to time it right lol.

[DustyDoes]

I was out near El Mirage dry lake bed yesterday and found a handful of what I suspect are Veromessor Pergandei queens. Most were wingless and were found hiding under some plastic bins we had set on the ground, one had wings and also appeared to be looking for a place to burrow. Didn't see a nest or any flying, just some wandering queens. I brought 2 home and have them in test tubes. Fingers crossed that they're fertile and comfy enough to start laying eggs.

[dspdrew]

I was out near El Mirage dry lake bed yesterday and found a handful of what I suspect are Veromessor Pergandei queens. Most were wingless and were found hiding under some plastic bins we had set on the ground, one had wings and also appeared to be looking for a place to burrow. Didn't see a nest or any flying, just some wandering queens. I brought 2 home and have them in test tubes. Fingers crossed that they're fertile and comfy enough to start laying eggs.

 

V.pergandei did recently fly in the high desert.

[DustyDoes]

 

I was out near El Mirage dry lake bed yesterday and found a handful of what I suspect are Veromessor Pergandei queens. Most were wingless and were found hiding under some plastic bins we had set on the ground, one had wings and also appeared to be looking for a place to burrow. Didn't see a nest or any flying, just some wandering queens. I brought 2 home and have them in test tubes. Fingers crossed that they're fertile and comfy enough to start laying eggs.

 

V.pergandei did recently fly in the high desert.

 

 

Sweet! I'm hoping one of these will become my first colony!

[ryanger]

Do these socal anting trips happen often? And how can I join just got my driving license and want to find some cool desert ants.

Edited by ryanger, April 9 2022 - 4:45 PM.

[ExponentMars]

I think it happens abt once every year, when it rains out in the desert and when all the ants start swarming. Probably gonna go this year as well. 

[Broncos]

Looks like the Lancaster/Palmdale/Victorville area got heavy rain. Worth going anting?

[United-Ants]

Yes it is worth it

[Broncos]

Anyone know if any Pogonomyrmex or pheidole likely to fly again? Possibly august?

[dspdrew]

They will probably fly the next time it rains.

[Arthroverts]

Summer thunderstorms in the Mojave, hurray!

 

The termites flew yesterday.

 

Thanks,

 

Arthroverts

Edited by Arthroverts, August 1 2022 - 1:54 PM.

[dspdrew]

Yeah it's rained just about everywhere out there. I'm sure most places will have founding chambers of some sort.

[Antlover24]

Anyone got some recommendations for where to catch Acromyrmex, even if it is late?

Edited by Antlover24, August 8 2022 - 9:50 AM.

[FinWins]

Are you guys still finding queens out in the Mojave? I’m thinking of make a trip out there but it’s a six hour drive so I want to be sure that they’re still flying. The species I’d be going after are M. mexicanus, M. medex, N. cockerali, V. pergandei, and A. versicolor.

Edited by FinWins, August 8 2022 - 10:27 AM.