2124 replies to this topic

[noebl1]

It could be another 1-2 weeks after for the larger flights which typically at the end of this month.   I have seen Camponotus foraging pretty regularly, so colonies should be pretty fueled up for the flight.  I'm pretty confident that C. Myrmetoma will fly; I'd be shocked if they didn't. 

[Nathant2131]

The Myrmentoma subgenus stalk my backyard, so no expedition required.  This is one of the only big ants that I especially enjoy.

[Nathant2131]

Found a Myrmentoma colony in my backyard, which is reasurring; I've only ever seen lots of foraging.

 

http://www.formicult...217/#entry60872

 

It's looking really warm next week. I agree that they will fly, but hope it's not another warm-weather tease, then right back into the 50s and 60s.

[zkublin]

The Myrmentoma subgenus stalk my backyard, so no expedition required.  This is one of the only big ants that I especially enjoy.

Why do you like C. Myrmentoma over other Camponotus sugenus?

[Nathant2131]

 

Why do you like C. Myrmentoma over other Camponotus sugenus?

They are sleek, sly and big at the same time; Their color variation is also interesting. There are other things that draw me toward them more than the other Camponotus, but as is usually the case, it is unexplainable, if you know what I mean.

[Nathant2131]

I think I might have even saw Tetramorium tsushimae! They were noticably smaller than Tetramorium caespitum, and were a lot more red in color. 

You know what? looking back, I think this could have been Peidole. The habitat fits; A sandy, open area.They were definitely not Tetramorium, whatever it was. 

[noebl1]

Couple of people on reddit /r/ants reported finding C. pennsylvanicus today in NJ, so very possible we could see some up here this week.

[Nathant2131]

Couple of people on reddit /r/ants reported finding C. pennsylvanicus today in NJ, so very possible we could see some up here this week.

 

I sure hope it isn't the Camponotus (Camponotus) spp.'s main flight this week, as I would rather spend my valuable time finding Camponotus (Myrmentoma) spp. this week, and the main Camponotus (Camponotus) spp.'s flights some other time later this month. (Instead of scrambling to different areas all in a span of a couple days to find both subgenera).

[Cindy]

I hope they all have their flights this week because I'm going to be out of the country after Saturday! 

[ctantkeeper]

I actually found a Camponotus pennsylvanicus male perched on a leaf while outside yesterday. I live in Rocky Hill, CT btw.

[noebl1]

I sure hope it isn't the Camponotus (Camponotus) spp.'s main flight this week, as I would rather spend my valuable time finding Camponotus (Myrmentoma) spp. this week, and the main Camponotus (Camponotus) spp.'s flights some other time later this month. (Instead of scrambling to different areas all in a span of a couple days to find both subgenera).

 

 

Last year they are all flew several times; just had one major flight where everything flew in the greatest numbers as guessing it was the perfect conditions.  Fortunately shouldn't be a one shot deal for Camponotus.  In past experiences with them before I was ant keeping, I can assure you Camponotus fly several times when conditions are right.

 

EDIT:  One variable this year is the drought and last season they were ejecting queens in the Fall.  Curious if lesser numbers this season. Hmmm.  Hadn't considered that initially. 

Edited by noebl1, May 15 2017 - 4:30 AM.

[Myrmidon]

I am so excited Tuesday and Wednesday are my days off this week! I might be able to do a bit on Thursday in the AM hours if something is flying but if not I'll have to check back in the evening. Either way, I'll have test tubes all day.

 

Best of luck to all and fingers crossed it's a good start!

[noebl1]

Ok guys, did some looking back at last year to show you records from my weather station and when I found the Camponotus.  Hope this helps with predictions:

 

2016

May 9th,  63F

May 10th, 74F

May 11th, 80F

May 12th, 83F, 22% humidity at ~6pm when flying, barometer 30.01in, Myrmentoma (first observed Camponotus flights)

May 13th, 76F, 0.21" of rain

May 14th, 79F, 0.01" of rain

----

May 23rd, 82F 

May 24th, 61F, 1.39" of rain

May 25th, 89F

May 26th, 89F, 63% humidity at ~6pm when flying, barometer 30.02in, Myrmentoma, some C. pennsylvanicus 

May 27th, 88F

May 28th, 95F, 54% humidity at ~6pm when flying, barometer 30.02in, Most Camponotus species flew, very large flight

 

NOTE: Those temps are for the day high

 

EDIT:  Clarified some entries based on searching notes

Edited by noebl1, May 15 2017 - 2:39 PM.

[akaant]

 

Ok guys, did some looking back at last year to show you records from my weather station and when I found the Camponotus.  Hope this helps with predictions:

 

2016

May 9th,  63F

May 10th, 74F

May 11th, 80F

May 12th, 83F, 22% humidity at ~6pm when flying, barometer 30.01in, Myrmentoma (first observed Camponotus flights)

May 13th, 76F, 0.21" of rain

May 14th, 79F, 0.01" of rain

----

May 23rd, 82F 

May 24th, 61F, 1.39" of rain

May 25th, 89F

May 26th, 89F, 63% humidity at ~6pm when flying, barometer 30.02in, Myrmentoma, some C. pennsylvanicus 

May 27th, 88F

May 28th, 95F, 54% humidity at ~6pm when flying, barometer 30.02in, Most Camponotus species flew, very large flight

 

NOTE: Those temps are for the day high

 

EDIT:  Clarified some entries based on searching notes

 

Great work noebl1. Keep your eyes peeled to the ground and report your findings.

[zkublin]

Man I am pumped!  The Celtics won game 7 last night and Camponotus are going to start flying today and tomorrow!  What more could I ask for?

[Cindy]

C. Nearcticus is flying

[Cindy]

Definitely flying. The male and female alates are coming out of my front door frame in tens

[Nathant2131]

Unfortunately stuck in the house doing HW. Took a quick 5-min look in my backyard a few mins ago, couldn't see anything. (but it was only 5 mins)

[noebl1]

Hit 81.5F here (and still rising) at the house and haven't seen anything yet.  Not sure how much anting I'll be doing myself as unexpectedly home as wife rolled her ankle.

Edited by noebl1, May 16 2017 - 11:01 AM.

[Cindy]

Yeah apparently the turned the area between my glass door and my wooden one into a nesting space so I didn't need to look too far from home.
This flight is pretty tiny so I suspect it'll ramp up in the next few days!