14 replies to this topic

[joebobithy]

I am new to ant keeping and hoping to find my very first queen this season. Please tell me if this is a queen because I don't want to just let it go with the knowledge that it may have been one.

Please help!

 

 

[VoidElecent]

This is not a queen. It appears to be a Formica sp. worker.

[joebobithy]

Thank you

[Acutus]

Welcome to the Forum!! Sorry it isn't a Queen.

[joebobithy]

I'm going to go look again tomorrow. There is a nature trail that I like to go on to look. Is that a good place to look for them?

[Acutus]

I'm going to go look again tomorrow. There is a nature trail that I like to go on to look. Is that a good place to look for them?

 

Sure! Nature trails are always good. Where do you live? With that info people can give tips that'll work for your area and tell you what type ants to expect and all. this forum is full of info and knowledgeable peeps!

[Ferox_Formicae]

Welcome to the forum, joebobithy! A piece of advice I give everyone who is struggling with finding a queen is to turn on your porch lights at night. Queens and males are attracted to the light, and you can find them once they fly in. A lot of neat ants are having their flights right now, including Colobopsis, some species of Camponotus, and Pheidole. Good luck anting! 

[joebobithy]

 

I'm going to go look again tomorrow. There is a nature trail that I like to go on to look. Is that a good place to look for them?

 

Sure! Nature trails are always good. Where do you live? With that info people can give tips that'll work for your area and tell you what type ants to expect and all. this forum is full of info and knowledgeable peeps!

 

I live in Missouri in the United States. This forum is already pretty cool!

[VoidElecent]

I'm going to go look again tomorrow. There is a nature trail that I like to go on to look. Is that a good place to look for them?

 

I recommend starting out somewhere near a parking lot or large, empty road. It can be significantly easier to spot queens on open pavement or asphalt, especially as a beginner.

[joebobithy]

 

I'm going to go look again tomorrow. There is a nature trail that I like to go on to look. Is that a good place to look for them?

 

I recommend starting out somewhere near a parking lot or large, empty road. It can be significantly easier to spot queens on open pavement or asphalt, especially as a beginner.

 

Is there a good place to look for queens or are they out just any time of day?

[VoidElecent]

 

 

I'm going to go look again tomorrow. There is a nature trail that I like to go on to look. Is that a good place to look for them?

 

I recommend starting out somewhere near a parking lot or large, empty road. It can be significantly easier to spot queens on open pavement or asphalt, especially as a beginner.

 

Is there a good place to look for queens or are they out just any time of day?

 

 

It depends on what species you're looking for.

[Acutus]

The pavement thing like Void suggest is absolutely good advice!! I found my first Queen on a pavement trail in a park near some ponds at night. I found 5 Camponotus castaneus Queens and two Lasius interjectus Queens on a Tennis court while the night lights were on!

 

Now I went at night cause I was looking for Camponotus and they tend to be nocturnal. There are plenty of others here much better than I am. there is also a thread here on How to Catch Queens definitely read that!!

[joebobithy]

Thanks for all the really great tips. Hopefully tomorrow I can find my first queen! 

[Acutus]

Good Luck!!   

[ponerinecat]

check under and near debris, as queen like to start chambers around solid objects.