2124 replies to this topic

[Salmon]

Hmm... so the labor day ants are right on schedule.

[noebl1]

I set out my light trap tonight, think I'll catch any stragglers?

 

This works for Lasius alienus, but not so sure for L. neoniger.  I've caught L. alienus alates for sure attracted to lights.  However found L. neoniger queens tend to drop to the ground quickly after mating and also dropping it's wings (usually before dark).  If I got out around dusk just after the sun goes down with a flash light, typically any L. neoniger I find are on the ground scattering looking for places to hide.  L. alienus on the other hand I have seen fly later, so still flying after dark which is how I catch them attracted to lights.  L. flavus I also caught similar to L. neoniger.

[noebl1]

Crematogaster seem to be flying?  Found two of them just now outside; alate and dealate.  Also males of several species as well flying.

[noebl1]

Ok, Crematogaster are flying in large numbers now, found tons of male and female alates/dealates.  Also saw a single Myrmica queen alate, so they may fly today too.

[noebl1]

INTERESTING, I think Lasius umbratus may be flying! First time I've seen them as alates and mating in flight.

[noebl1]

Myrmecina are also flying.  There is also something that looks like it could be Ponera, but not 100% on the ID yet.  However have seen several of them today.

Edited by noebl1, September 5 2017 - 10:41 AM.

[zkublin]

I took a lunch time walk around Somerville, unfortunately I did not find a thing

[noebl1]

@zkublin It's been going here in waves... I've been lucky as some stuff goes on the side of something so they stick out.  I had a hard time finding much on the driveway.  However on a green kid's pool I found a bunch of stuff in and on it.  Under our garbage and recycling bins is where I found a bunch of stuff huddled today.  I

 

For here.. Looks like Crematogaster flights have stopped; tons of dead male alates all over our side walk way (guessing they stick out as it's light colored.)  Still finding Lasius male alates but not seeing any more of what I believe were L. umbratus (or similar parasitic.)  Right now finding Myrmica flying more consistently.  I rarely find Myrmica on the ground, but usually landed on something like a screen or hammock.  

 

If it's anything like last year when I saw this same flight pattern, Lasius will start flying very soon here.

[Aquaexploder]

Can confirm a flight here too. Found 2 Crematogaster drones and a dealate.

[Connectimyrmex]

Yay, I caught my first Lasius neoniger queen! She had her wings but showed signs of being fertile. I broke off her wings for her (they kept getting stuck to the plastic). 

[noebl1]

Lasius neoniger hasn't flown here yet, still stacking up at entrances to fly.

 

Myrmica and Ponera still flying however.

 

So I found a dead make alate that was yellowish, and very very small.  Wondering if could be Brachymyrmex as they flew about this time last year.  However I have not seen any queen alates yet for them to confirm.  I think last year I saw all of one all season.

Edited by noebl1, September 5 2017 - 1:29 PM.

[rdurham02]

Another Formica flight here today! Also, found what appears to be another Lasius umbratus queen. Neoniger look like they are getting ready to fly soon here as well in Maine.

[Aquaexploder]

Lasius neoniger flew here. Myrmica also flying.

[Connectimyrmex]

Okay, it just started pouring outside a few minutes ago. I hope to find a Lasius/Ponera/Myrmica/Crematogaster/Pheidole queen day after tomorrow!

[noebl1]

Lasius flew here; I'll have to see how the video came out as it was nuts.  New colony that didn't fly last year in our yard. 

 

Also believe I found a single Brachymyrmex.

 

Myrmica were still running around.  

 

I realized I got a bit carried away as have about 30 test tubes to fill from today. Oops.

[Connectimyrmex]

I have a question: My Formica subseriscea ate her larvae a few weeks ago. She completely halted her egg production. Will she ever lay again or should I brood boost her?

[noebl1]

Just caught a Lasius latipes... never seen one before.  Take some shots before I let her go

[noebl1]

FWIW they are still flying and dealates looking for hiding spots. Found 5 more just walking 10mins along the driveway with a flashlight.

 

Here's a video from earlier as they were taking flight:

 

 

Injured a few initial Lasius today in my zealousness to catch some...  took it a bit slower with these.  Down to 5 test tubes left to take care of for the night...

 

Close up since video was a bit fuzzy:

Edited by noebl1, September 5 2017 - 4:32 PM.

[Salmon]

Dammit! I didn't bother looking for ants today and there was a Crematogaster flight!

 

I assume there'll be more... lots of ants have been having very long flight periods this year it seems.

[RhodyAnts]

Caught What I believe to be a Lasius sp. on my windshield tonight. It looks almost exactly like P. Imparis but is Black fading to gray on its belly. I figured if my winter ants are doomed (they likely are), then I might as well get some sort of colony this year.