Hi, I am Raphael and I live in Melbourne, Australia.
I recently stumbled upon a mating flight and I was able to capture a queen just after it mated. I actually witnessed that happening which makes me confident the Queen has been inseminated. I suspect it is a pheidole as this type of ant is common in Melbourne and known to have their reproductive flights in autumn.
I didn't have any equipment so I built a nest in plaster... see attached pic. The nest is now full of mold; I have ordered online some test tubes and once they arrive I hope I will be able to transfer the ant safely...
Cheers