5 replies to this topic

[joebobithy]

I went for a two hour walk today (from 9 - 11 AM) looking for queen ants. I don't know what I am doing wrong but I can't seem to spot anything but workers ants and turtles.

 

I walked on a trail. some sidewalks, and a neighborhood street. I took pictures of the trail. 

 

 

Is it just not the right time of day or do queen ants just hate the trail? 

 

I am not looking for any specific ant species or anything just something to start a colony. 

I live in Missouri 

 

Thank you in advance for any tips. 

Edited by joebobithy, June 5 2019 - 8:38 AM.

[Martialis]

Ants tend to fly in the early day and evening, although there are definitely diurnal fliers.

 

Additionally, weather has a huge impact on if ants are flying or not: if it's rather humid, you can usually count on them flying. If not, they probably aren't. Warm days (<75F) tend to be good. 

 

The day after a rainstorm tends to be quite nice for anting, too.

[VoidElecent]

Ants tend to fly in the early day and evening, although there are definitely diurnal fliers.

 

Additionally, weather has a huge impact on if ants are flying or not: if it's rather humid, you can usually count on them flying. If not, they probably aren't. Warm days (<75F) tend to be good. 

 

The day after a rainstorm tends to be quite nice for anting, too.

 

Many of the environmental factors that contribute to "good anting" are so subtle and nuanced, there is simply no way for us to accurately pinpoint when nuptial flights will occur. There are definitely things you can do to optimize your anting experience, as Martialis has suggested, but you will find that much of your success is due to luck. I have gone weeks without finding queens on thoroughly planned-out anting trips only to stumble across sprawling, massive nuptial flights the very next day when I am out to dinner with my family or hanging out in the city with friends. Just be prepared, carry a vial (or two) on you at all times, and keep those eyes peeled.

[joebobithy]

It is supposed to rain a lot tomorrow and Friday where I am at so I am hoping that Saturday will be my lucky day   .

Edited by joebobithy, June 5 2019 - 9:30 AM.

[ponerinecat]

I found a possibly undescribed worker ant while digging through wood for a fire. (didn't realize it and put it back.) Went back 5 times and all I find are scorpions. I gave up and began collecting formica. Saw another one.(still didn't realize it might be new.) Sometimes you never find what you are looking for until you stop looking.

[Acutus]

 

Ants tend to fly in the early day and evening, although there are definitely diurnal fliers.

 

Additionally, weather has a huge impact on if ants are flying or not: if it's rather humid, you can usually count on them flying. If not, they probably aren't. Warm days (<75F) tend to be good. 

 

The day after a rainstorm tends to be quite nice for anting, too.

 

Many of the environmental factors that contribute to "good anting" are so subtle and nuanced, there is simply no way for us to accurately pinpoint when nuptial flights will occur. There are definitely things you can do to optimize your anting experience, as Martialis has suggested, but you will find that much of your success is due to luck. I have gone weeks without finding queens on thoroughly planned-out anting trips only to stumble across sprawling, massive nuptial flights the very next day when I am out to dinner with my family or hanging out in the city with friends. Just be prepared, carry a vial (or two) on you at all times, and keep those eyes peeled.

 

 

YES!! What they both said!! I've been to the Tennis Courts where I caught my C. castaneus at least a dozen nights. Then one night boom! there were male alates everywhere but no females! Went out the next night and the Girls showed up! It's all by chance. It's easy to get frustrated and If you search the forum there are a few posts I started just like this one. 
they all told me just keep at it and you'll find them. They were right.

Meanwhile learn all you can. Especially about the species that may be in your area and are flying this time of year. Tetramorium Imagrans are definitely starting to fly and by Fathers Day I'm told they are everywhere!! Persistence pays off!