18 replies to this topic

[M_Ants]

Went to a local trail and saw pogonomyrmex rugosus queens wandering in and out of the colony. They looked like they were getting ready to fly but weren't. They are supposed to fly in July but it hasn't rained in a long time and probably won't for a while. Are the queens flying soon or are they just messing with me? Should I go back? There is only one colony so if they are flying and if I went back, would I get anything? Thanks!

 

Edited by M_Ants, July 11 2020 - 9:46 AM.

[AntsMaryland]

They will fly when the conditions are ideal for them. However, I don't know if rain triggers this species or high heats, etc.

[Broncos]

What is the trail called


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[ponerinecat]

Went to a local trail and saw pogonomyrmex rugosus queens wandering in and out of the colony. They looked like they were getting ready to fly but weren't. They are supposed to fly in July but it hasn't rained in a long time and probably won't for a while. Are the queens flying soon or are they just messing with me? Should I go back? There is only one colony so if they are flying and if I went back, would I get anything? Thanks!

 

They're testing the conditions pretty much. Almost all ants will do this until something like male pheromones triggers them. If they try to fly early workers will stop them.

[M_Ants]

What is the trail called


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Mission Trails

[M_Ants]

So sounds to me like I shouldn't bother going back?

[ANTdrew]

Luck favors the vigilant. Monitor conditions and go back as often as you can.

[M_Ants]

Conditions?

It's even hotter today. Is that a good thing?

Edited by M_Ants, July 11 2020 - 10:55 AM.

[ANTdrew]

You should connect with the large number of CA members on this forum. Ask them what conditions to look for that trigger this species’ flights. Go through the archives as well. Research, research, research. Finding queens is really easy if you know what to look for.

[SleepyAsianAnter]

i had a few flights very recently, maybe even this morning, for P. Subnitidus, I'm only an hour from mission trails so I wouldn't be suprised if they fly today

[M_Ants]

i had a few flights very recently, maybe even this morning, for P. Subnitidus, I'm only an hour from mission trails so I wouldn't be suprised if they fly today

Even without rain?

[SleepyAsianAnter]

 

i had a few flights very recently, maybe even this morning, for P. Subnitidus, I'm only an hour from mission trails so I wouldn't be suprised if they fly today

Even without rain?

 

 

Yes, their flights were triggered by heat spikes

[gcsnelling]

The only time I have ever seen P. rugosus fly is after rain during the summer, so they need both. If they go early odds of successful colony founding is  greatly reduced.

[M_Ants]

Well it doesn't rain here in the summer. It does in the desert but not here.

[M_Ants]

Are they morning or evening flyers?

[gcsnelling]

Well it doesn't rain here in the summer. It does in the desert but not here.

Then perhaps consider relative humidity.

[M_Ants]

I went. Saw more queens in nest but no flights.

[RushmoreAnts]

Go again.

[M_Ants]

Today?

Probably can't.