7 replies to this topic

[Tai_pan1]

Is there a way to tell queen from male alates?  I put out the black light tonight and the ants were everywhere.  I caught 23, all with wings, all drawn to the black light.  They all appear to be Camponotus but I’m not good enough yet to tell what species.  There appears to be 2, and maybe 3 different color patterns.  My concern is how do I tell if they are queens?  I would hate to waste my time on a bunch of males.

 

Any insights, knowledge or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Edited by Tai_pan1, May 19 2022 - 6:08 PM.

[Tai_pan1]

Here are a couple of pics.  Sorry for the poor quality, it’s the best I can do with my phone.

Attached Images

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[UtahAnts]

Male alate: pointed gaster and small head. Camponotus species for sure

[OiledOlives]

The one in the front is a C. castaneus male, the one in the back looks like a C. americanus queen. 

Edited by OiledOlives, May 19 2022 - 6:33 PM.

[Tai_pan1]

More help needed!  I went through all 23 this morning and based upon the small head and pointed gaster, they were all male alates.  Two had died overnight.  I let the others go this morning.  My question is, do the male alates start flying before the females?  Is it unusual to catch all males?  Should I try again tonight or will I still just catch male alates.

 

sorry for the questions, but this is my first time trying to catch queens and I am very new to the hobby.

[OiledOlives]

Yeah this is normal, most likely a test flight. I'd definitely go look tonight.

[Tai_pan1]

No luck at all tonight, only moths.  I did find a dead C castaneus queen on my porch though.  I must have missed it.

[ZTYguy]

Just keep up the work. You eventually will turn out with something.