5 replies to this topic

[thepixelbro]

II've been bitten by the ant caring bug and want to start caring for my own, I'm in south florida and the best species i see is camponotus floridanus. But I've been outside a couple of times after storms in the evening but had absolute no luck. Anyone know if they are in flight?

[123LordOfAnts123]

Here in central Florida I'm finding a few along with Camponotus tortuganus every couple of nights. Their main flights normally hit in late June during 80 degree nights. In Southern Florida they may already be in full swing with all the rain you're getting.

Look around lights at night. White and blue are in the more attractive color spectrum for ants. Lighted gas stations, shopping centers, and store fronts are all common places to come across queens, which often hunker down in corners and creases along walls in the dozens until as late as 9am-10am the next day. Delates can be found in the vicinity, but most tend to be winged; I've still found nearly all of them to be fertile and they quickly shed their wings once in a tube.

Even in disturbed areas this remains one of the most common species in Florida, though they often go unnoticed until flights reveal their large presence.

[super_oil]

They have been flying here in North Florida. However most Camponotus species fly at night so the best way of catching Camponotus floridanus queens is to use a blacklight to lure the alates.

[thepixelbro]

They have been flying here in North Florida. However most Camponotus species fly at night so the best way of catching Camponotus floridanus queens is to use a blacklight to lure the alates.

OH NICE!!!, So what would you recommend as a blacklight trap?

Edited by thepixelbro, June 11 2017 - 7:15 PM.

[AntswerMe]

Like super oil said, they are flying in North Florida, so they may be doing so elsewhere also. Search at night preferably with a black light and a flashlight. This makes it easier to find Camponotus floridanus queens.

Edited by AntswerMe, June 13 2017 - 12:02 AM.

[AntswerMe]

Even bigger (yes bigger!) Camponotus castaneus queens are flying too so be on the lookout for those as well. They are an all around orange color with no black gaster that C. floridanus has.

Edited by AntswerMe, June 13 2017 - 12:05 AM.