2467 replies to this topic

[AntsCali098]

It seems like national weather service is the most reliable. I'll continue checking as I may be going to Joshua Tree as soon as rain comes.

[dspdrew]

Some video from last season.

 

Myrmecocystus placodops preparing for their mating flight - Mojave Preserve, California 7-17-2022

 

 

 

This was about 7 miles out from the closest maintained dirt road. I drove through about 15 washes on the way out there and this storm started getting closer much faster than I expected. I knew clouds had formed over me because I could no longer see any stars, but had no idea what was really forming because there was no cell phone service out there and I couldn't check the radar. I ended up driving back to the road like a mad man. If it had started pouring rain out there I probably would have been stranded.

 

 

 

Sunrise thunderstorm in Nipton, CA

 

[Locness]

Sunrise thunderstorm in Nipton, CA

Stunning photo!

[AntsCali098]

Amazing photo!

That's another spot added to my list. I'm continuing to check long term weather for anting spots often.

Edited by AntsCali098, July 25 2023 - 11:02 AM.

[AntsCali098]

Looks like on the national weather service, it's saying a chance of rain and thunderstorms on the 31st in nipton

Edited by AntsCali098, July 25 2023 - 11:42 AM.

[CAantz]

Hope that 20% actually happens, and on the weekend instead of Monday.

[100lols]

This was about 7 miles out from the closest maintained dirt road. I drove through about 15 washes on the way out there and this storm started getting closer much faster than I expected. I knew clouds had formed over me because I could no longer see any stars, but had no idea what was really forming because there was no cell phone service out there and I couldn't check the radar. I ended up driving back to the road like a mad man. If it had started pouring rain out there I probably would have been stranded.

I’m telling you, hardcore anting! That sounds wild. Nipton is a bit too far from me but I really want to get out to Joshua tree… I’m skeptical about that 20% chance though!

[CAantz]

It’s a little higher and now on Sunday Monday and Tuesday

[dspdrew]

 

Sunrise thunderstorm in Nipton, CA

Stunning photo!

 

 

Here's the video of it that I used for the lightning overlays. You can see the colors actually looked like that and weren't Photoshopped, but like in any sunrises or sunsets, they didn't last long.

 

 

 

This is the same storm as it got closer. It kept pushing me farther and farther down Nipton Road.

 

 

[dspdrew]

Unfortunately I didn't find any queen ants during that trip, but I found some old abandoned mines with cages around them to keep stupid people from climbing in.

 

 

 

 

 

The mine shaft was REALLY deep.

 

 

 

You can tell how deep it is here. If you listen closely the rock keeps falling for over 10 seconds.

 

[That_one_ant_guy]

Woah, don't fall down there 👀

I might be going to the spot where I found my pots, Novos and the megommata at Mojave mid next week, wish me luck!

Edited by That_one_ant_guy, July 26 2023 - 9:56 AM.

[Tanks]

Hope you have some good luck with those novos and aphanogaster!

[Antics]

Dang, good luck finding queens next time!

Edited by Antics, July 27 2023 - 7:21 AM.

[CAantz]

Rain chance in Joshua tree has improved, but I still don’t think that it is enough for a flight. The rain seems patchy and in the morning. Would acromyrmex fly after rain the day before even if there will be more rain the day they fly?

Edited by CAantz, July 27 2023 - 10:48 AM.

[AntsCali098]

Well, they fly shortly after sunrise, so I'm guessing any rain before that would be optimal

[AntsCali098]

This is the data I got from nipton on the national weather service, it seems like the best shot.



Also says 50-60% on the normal weather sites

[AntsCali098]

Also, dspdrew, when you went to nipton, did you see any Acromyrmex there?

[CAantz]

There is also a high chance of rain on the 6,7, and 8 in Chiriaco summet, but idk how accurate 14 day forecasts are.

[dspdrew]

Also, dspdrew, when you went to nipton, did you see any Acromyrmex there?

 

I don't know of any Acromyrmex near Nipton.

[AntsCali098]

Do you know of any besides Joshua Tree?