4 replies to this topic

[ZATrippit]

Hey all! Found my first Queen today. I'm in the North Island of New Zealand. Found her in my backyard, so I assume she is simply a subterranean species as that's all I've observed. I know the photos aren't the best, so I'll note some other details:

- Her feet and antennae are red at the tip

- She does not appear to have a stinger

- Her abdomen has milky white stripes

- Her wings have an reddish-brown tinge

- She has small, reddish-brown mandibles

- 5mm in length

Thanks in advance!

 

EDIT: I've made some more observations on the nuptial flight patterns. The alates don't seem to fly or swarm the ground, but instead have just scaled my wall to try and find each other. There are also only about 4-6 females and about 4 males present at any given time, and after mating they leave and seem to get replaced by other alates. It's been going on for the whole day (it's now 4PM). Some alates also have more iridescent wings as opposed to reddish-brown.

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Edited by ZATrippit, October 3 2023 - 7:06 PM.

[ZATrippit]

Looking at it now, I'm afraid I might have been too late! I've found about 5 queens, all with wings, and a male. Oof!

Edit: Not too late, this nuptial flight has just been slow and drawn out. It's still going on about 3 hours later! Observed a queen while mating and caught her after she finished the deed.

Edited by ZATrippit, October 3 2023 - 6:58 PM.

[Virginian_ants]

I think Iridomyrmex but take this with a grain of salt I don't know new Zealand ants very well.

[ZATrippit]

I think Iridomyrmex but take this with a grain of salt I don't know new Zealand ants very well.

You could be right, I doubt it's Monomorium antarcticum as their nuptial flights don't occur until late summer. I will say, however, NO ONE knows NZ ants very well. It makes my life very tough. Thanks!

Edited by ZATrippit, October 5 2023 - 4:58 PM.

[AntsCali098]

Probably irodymyrmex