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Posted September 4 2024 - 9:28 AM
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I am a newer keeper and I have seen HUGE harvesters in a park near me. They are almost a 1/3 of an inch (about 7-9 mm) long. I already have two queens with nanitics and am good for this year but I want to know when they fly. What are the optimal conditions and does anyone have a colony(s) already?
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Posted September 4 2024 - 9:34 AM
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“You’ll survive” -wise man.
Currently keeping:
Brachymyrmex patagonicus
Solenopsis invicta
Crematogaster sp.
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Posted September 4 2024 - 9:40 AM
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I am a newer keeper and I have seen HUGE harvesters in a park near me. They are almost a 1/3 of an inch (about 7-9 mm) long. I already have two queens with nanitics and am good for this year but I want to know when they fly. What are the optimal conditions and does anyone have a colony(s) already?
I found 47 Pogonomyrmex queens in late June before a rainstorm around 6:00pm and then I came back the next morning around 7:15am and found more queens. The way to find them (that I use) is digging up their founding chambers. Usually you will see the queen go into her chamber and get a piece of sand or soil and put it on her mound, you can also catch the queen this way. But if you find a founding chamber and she doesn't come out after a while, you can try digging the chamber up with a shovel or your hands.
Edit: are the queens 7-9mm or are the workers?
Edited by AntsTx, September 4 2024 - 10:32 AM.
Currently Keeping:
Camponotus texanus x2 Pheidole obtusospinosa - Batch of eggs
Camponotus vicinus - 12-15 workers Solenopsis xyloni x7 - Freshly caught
Camponotus pennsylvanicus - 50-60 workers
Crematogaster lineolata x8 - 7-15 workers
Solenopsis krockowi - 3 workers
Solenopsis invicta - 5000-7500 workers
Formica spp. - 5 workers
Pogonomyrmex occidentalis x2 - First Workers! 
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Posted September 4 2024 - 9:48 AM
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I am a newer keeper and I have seen HUGE harvesters in a park near me. They are almost a 1/3 of an inch (about 7-9 mm) long. I already have two queens with nanitics and am good for this year but I want to know when they fly. What are the optimal conditions and does anyone have a colony(s) already?
There are several resources I have compiled for your reference. Formiculture maintains a database of queen nuptial flights seen by members, which will help identify when they fly. Second, a recent thread discussing many different species of ant queens found, and the conditions surrounding the flights, may help narrow your window down as to when to start looking.
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8
My South Dakotan Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship Lasius nationwide
Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)
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Posted September 5 2024 - 6:15 PM
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The workers are.
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