26 replies to this topic

[The_Gaming-gate]

For the use of documenting nuptial flights in FL, discussing your rare finds, and just connecting with other ant-keepers. I decided to start this thread because- (*thinking of something wholesome to say*) I don’t really know- I just got jealous of the states with their own thread (looking at you, CA). Be sure to tell us when and where you find your queens, how to catch certain species, and all of the other great knowledge you have!


Signing off, Gaming_gate.

[rockaedward]

rockaedward

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

rockaedward

4. No posting any spam messages, including posting of messages that add little to no value to the topic of conversation. I would look at this and how does this apply?

[SHmealer]

What species are you looking to catch this year?

[The_Gaming-gate]

Some Solenopsis invicta to replace my dud queen, Crematogaster, and Camponotus. I’m probably going to have to find a new place to find Camponotus floridanus alates, since my usual spot is being “treated” with pesticide.

Edited by The_Gaming-gate, May 2 2024 - 11:35 AM.

[SHmealer]

You shouldn't be going anywhere that would be getting treated with pesticides, go to a local trail/natural forest, Ocala national forest is close to you and has good diversity. All those ants you stated should be really common as long as you blacklight at night.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Thank you! I also managed to find two Crematogaster alates near my house with a black light.

[Artisan_Ants]

Look on the sidewalk after a nuptial flight the next day. You might find some Crematogaster queens running around. The sidewalk and the road’s where I found mine.

Edited by Artisan_Ants, May 6 2024 - 7:27 AM.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Found a few lone Camponotus queens in Orlando, although not a true nuptial swarm.

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[SHmealer]

very skinny queen

[The_Gaming-gate]

I know. I have some other ones though.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Some heavy rain hit Orange County yesterday, and I found a few ‘niger-clade’ Lasius queens (L. americanus?). I also saw a Dorymyrmex colony with some male alates at the enterance.

Today it seems that it’s ’Solenopsis invicta’s’ turn to fly. Found a de-alate and a few females with wings. Left my test-tubes at home though.

Edited by The_Gaming-gate, May 15 2024 - 10:09 AM.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Lasius queens turned out as Brachymyrmex (lighting messed up my identification, it was very obvious under better light).

Brachys flew again when I wasn’t looking.

[SHmealer]

stuff that's flown these past two weeks: Pogonomyrmex badius, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis, Lasius americanus, Pheidole morrisii, Pheidole dentata, Pheidole bilimeki, Pheidole navigans, Pheidole adrianoi, Pheidole metallescens, Pheidole bicarinata, Pheidole tysoni, Dorymyrmex bossutus, Dorymyrmex bureni, Dorymyrmex flavopectus, Solenopsis geminata, Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis pergandei, Solenopsis carolinensis, Brachymyrmex patagonicus, Brachymyrmex obscurior, Forelius prunsinosus

that's everything I've seen flying these past two weeks but there's probably more that I've forgotten, happy anting!

[The_Gaming-gate]

I’ve seen a few of those! Didn’t know Trachymyrmex was flying! I’d love to own some leafcutters.

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

Guys don't forget about this thread, ill be trying anting at  Ocala national forest at the end of this month to see what i can find

[SHmealer]

What parts? alot of it isn't good, but the good parts are really good.

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

Idk yet

[SHmealer]

well you should definetly figure out where u wanna go lol, u can look on inaturalist for spots i bet

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

I'll do that thx for the idea