14 replies to this topic

[Membrayne]

Hi, apologies if this topic has been discussed before, but I couldn't find any relevant information on it elsewhere.

 

But am I oblivious, or are there distinct signs of nuptial flight in Washington State/The greater northwest area of the US in general?

 

Will I find wings and dead males on the ground frequently?

Will the ants' nest openings be wider?

Do weather conditions needs to be pretty much perfect?

Will I see ants flying?

Will there be winged ants at the top of the nest at around the estimated nuptial flight per species?

 

I'm just a bit lost and confused because I've been looking on and off around my home for weeks during semi optimal conditions, when I have a break from work, to no avail.

Any info would be much appreciated.

[antgallery]

I know that conditions don't have to be perfect for most ants. in my area we are in the middle of basically a drought but they have still been flying like crazy at night.

if you have one I suggest blacklighting that's how I catch most of my queens in the summer.

[Membrayne]

I actually got a blacklight last night, but fell asleep before the sun went down, I'll be sure to try it out tonight, thanks lol

[antgallery]

No problem, hope you catch some queens!

[ANTdrew]

Learn the flight conditions of the various species in your area including time of day, season, and weather conditions. Then spend LOTS of time outside and hope for good luck. There are some members from Washington that can help you.

[Tyr_Ants]

Pogonomyrmex flew in my area

[Membrayne]

Learn the flight conditions of the various species in your area including time of day, season, and weather conditions. Then spend LOTS of time outside and hope for good luck. There are some members from Washington that can help you.

In that case, hopefully a couple of them will see this post.

 

I only know of a couple specific species in my general area of western Washington, some of them I don't know the exact species of because I haven't been able to get a closer look at them.

 

All I know is that I have a couple black carpenter ant species in my area, Liometopum occidentale, Tetramorium Immigrans, and the only queen I've found to date, the formica neorufibarbis queen in my profile image.

 

Other than that I've seen a few miscellaneous species but again haven't had the capability to analyze them closely to figure out what they are (I am a bit new to this hobby)

[ANTdrew]

Right about now is the perfect time to find Tetramorium queens. Look very early on hot, humid mornings. Camponotus may already have flown, but you can look for them late afternoons/evenings. Formica fly in the day time usually in midsummer. Just spend a lot of time outside on hot, humid days with light wind, and you’re bound to find something. Oh, and always have a collection container in your pocket. Always.

[Membrayne]

Didn't realize Tetramorium flew so early, all I'd heard was "morning" so I went out when it was roughly 60 degrees F this morning at 9

 

Should it usually be above 60 at 6-7 am if they're gonna fly?

[ANTdrew]

Yes, 6-7am.

[Kaelwizard]

I find them in the afternoon after they have already flown and they are looking for nests.

[Membrayne]

One hopefully last addition, uh, does it need to have rained the prior day for it to be likely that they fly? Or are they gonna be just as likely to fly on a day that's only humid with no rain? Cause I looked all day today in ideal conditions with no results, though I found a stray Tetramorium queen yesterday

[Kaelwizard]

A day after a rain is probably the best time but I find plenty of queens without a recent rain.

[ANTdrew]

Heat, high humidity, and low winds is enough without any rains.

[cap_backfire]

This is fantastic information.