12 replies to this topic

[antsandmore]

can ants in southern California fly even if there is no rain? there definitely isn't much rain around San Diego during spring/summer but maybe I'm wrong.

[KitsAntVa]

There are some ants that react to humidity, it doesn’t matter if it rains when your only looking for like 2-3 queens but once it rains species like pheidole fly for about a week after that.

[M_Ants]

I catch ants during spring/summer on my blacklight with 0 rain. The key is to look on nights where the humidity and heat jump up. 

[B_rad0806]

Most spring and summer flying species do not need rain. Unless they are a more desert species

[antsandmore]

ok. how do you set up the black light? put it in your backyard and set up a trap?

also, is the trap just a blacklight with some cloth in front of it? 

[Ants_Dakota]

here is a topic i started: https://www.formicul...ts/#entry171473

[antsandmore]

thanks 

[ponerinecat]

Ant flights depend on the usual conditions present at the habitat, not necessarily on species. A widespread species like Solenopsis xyloni will react to different conditions in different parts of it's range. My advice would honestly just to be constantly looking. Set up blacklights on nights that arent too cold, and look for wandering queens whenever possible. I've seen nuptials in mid winter if the weather is warm enough. Repeat for a couple of years, and if you're diligent you'll have mapped out a variety of local species and their flight preferences, both in terms of season and weather.

[CheetoLord02]

Unfortunately, even if conditions are decent enough for flights, most species don't have alates right now. Since prime flight season in the desert is from roughly March to October, most species don't have alates at all in the "off season" months.

[antsandmore]

yes. I was asking for next nuptial flight season. thank you for helping everyone

[Ants_Dakota]

that is what formiculture is for!

[antsandmore]

yes. The more I use it, the more I realize. Thank you!