6 replies to this topic

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

During the day, I find so many dead ponera queens everywhere, and I do not know at what time of day they fly because I want to collect some queens and I am aware that they fly until October . Please give me some info on what time of day they fly and where to find them

(I am in Quebec and I know what species they are)

[IdioticMouse26]

The only species of ponera I could find that has nuptial flight this time of the year is P. coarctata. I couldn't find a specific time of day they fly, but they should have flights in september too, so keep looking! Also, is it getting cold there in Quebec? It could be that the ants have nuptial flight in the evening and then die from the cold during the night. 

And if you do catch one, I found a previous topic about raising Ponera in Formiculture: https://www.formicul...a-colony-going/

[bmb1bee]

During the day, I find so many dead ponera queens everywhere, and I do not know at what time of day they fly because I want to collect some queens and I am aware that they fly until October . Please give me some info on what time of day they fly and where to find them

(I am in Quebec and I know what species they are)

I would recommend trying a black light. It's possible they fly at night, so setting up a light to catch some queens would be a good idea.

[OwlThatLikesAnts]

 

During the day, I find so many dead ponera queens everywhere, and I do not know at what time of day they fly because I want to collect some queens and I am aware that they fly until October . Please give me some info on what time of day they fly and where to find them

(I am in Quebec and I know what species they are)

I would recommend trying a black light. It's possible they fly at night, so setting up a light to catch some queens would be a good idea.

 

yeah I have tried that, It worked a bit (lol) I can't get my hands on a better light, but The species is Ponera pennsylvanicus 

[Artisan_Ants]

Approaching October, this species will be all over the place in certain areas, (like in mine). Sure you are up for the challenge? Heard that this species is insanely hard to found as they specifically need spring tails to eat (since they are obviously semi claustral) but if you can get them or have them then it shouldn’t be a problem. The main problem would be the housing though as test tubes aren’t ideal for this species (probably better success rate in natural setups where the queen digs her chamber). Good luck on finding them though!

[bmb1bee]

Approaching October, this species will be all over the place in certain areas, (like in mine). Sure you are up for the challenge? Heard that this species is insanely hard to found as they specifically need spring tails to eat (since they are obviously semi claustral) but if you can get them or have them then it shouldn’t be a problem. The main problem would be the housing though as test tubes aren’t ideal for this species (probably better success rate in natural setups where the queen digs her chamber). Good luck on finding them though!

I doubt they're insanely hard to found. If they're anything like Hypoponera, they can be sustained off of fruit flies and small pieces of mealworm if you can't get many springtails. Plaster petri dishes with a thin layer of soil on top would be very useful for founding.

[mbullock42086]

 

 

During the day, I find so many dead ponera queens everywhere, and I do not know at what time of day they fly because I want to collect some queens and I am aware that they fly until October . Please give me some info on what time of day they fly and where to find them

(I am in Quebec and I know what species they are)

I would recommend trying a black light. It's possible they fly at night, so setting up a light to catch some queens would be a good idea.

 

yeah I have tried that, It worked a bit (lol) I can't get my hands on a better light, but The species is Ponera pennsylvanicus 

 

you don't need anything fancy.  i use simple rayovac uv flashlights- they're right about exactly at 400nm, which is juuuuuust right for all insects, just about.

i combine both uv light and daylight bulbs and it attracts everything

Edited by mbullock42086, August 24 2024 - 5:05 PM.