8 replies to this topic

[RenDragon]

I was digging in the ground and hit a nest of pavement ants (I think since small and black/red and not camponotus). Found a male hiding with them, but my son lost it (so no pics). Anyone from New Mexico know if there are still nuptial flights happening or happening soon in the greater ABQ, NM area here? I will keep my eyes peeled regardless.

[Canadian anter]

You are in new Mexico I think ants fly almost year round there

[RenDragon]

Well we do get down to 18 F, -8 C in the winter and out temps are already nearing freezing at night so I was thinking they will hibernate through the winter, but still having a flight in Sep would totally rock.

[kellakk]

If the night temperatures are already cold, I doubt there will be another nuptial flight this year. Look forward to next year, though! There should be some cool ants around you.

[Batspiderfish]

In Arizona, at least, there are plenty of records for September flights (and some in October). It even looks like we'll have one more flight in Maine, if we get another warm, windless day.

[kellakk]

In Arizona, at least, there are plenty of records for September flights (and some in October). It even looks like we'll have one more flight in Maine, if we get another warm, windless day.

 

Yes, but where were those flights? I think soil temperature and humidity along with night temperatures are a good predictor of flights.  A sunny, warm day will trigger flights if there's plenty of moisture in the soil and the upper layer of soil heats up enough. I don't know Albuquerque very well, but from the information I can find online, those conditions are unlikely from October onward.

 

@RenDragon I would still keep an eye out for unseasonally warm days, you might get lucky and get some out-of-season flights

[Canadian anter]

I'm in Canada and last year there was a lasius claviger flight on Nov 16 @kellkak

[kellakk]

I'm in Canada and last year there was a lasius claviger flight on Nov 16 @kellkak

 

That's interesting. It looks like that day was extremely humid and followed a slight warm-up the day before.  I believe L. claviger times its nuptial flights after other Lasius have already founded their nests, so a November flight is completely out of the question.  I'm not sure if the fact that there was a flight so late in your area means anything for Albuquerque, though, since the temperature range for Toronto is much narrower than for Albuquerque.

[RenDragon]

Thanks guys for all the info. I will keep my eyes open on warm days for flights (I may have found one, but I am not sure since it is still small, will post on Ant ID when I can actually get a decent pic).