842 replies to this topic

[YsTheAnt]

Formica integroides flew today, found a dozen queens with sirjordanncurtis. We saw some fusca-group alates around nest entrances as well. I think Veromessor andrei might have flown too, going to go look for those around sunset.

[NoveltyAntsYT]

Found tons of Tetramorium Immigrans where it was around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. So excited.

[NoveltyAntsYT]

Ok so I just found a bunch of formica queens at Point Reyes. Not sure on the exact species though.

[JamesJohnson]

Yesterday I went to Sycamore Grove Park. Every S. xyloni nest I saw (and there were a lot of S. xyloni nests) had dozens of alates raring to go, with workers desperately holding them back. I didn't find any dealates, but they'll probably fly this week, possibly even today. S. molesta(?) alates were also out by their nest's entrances but after a few males flew they decided against it.

[YsTheAnt]

Yesterday I went to Sycamore Grove Park. Every S. xyloni nest I saw (and there were a lot of S. xyloni nests) had dozens of alates raring to go, with workers desperately holding them back. I didn't find any dealates, but they'll probably fly this week, possibly even today. S. molesta(?) alates were also out by their nest's entrances but after a few males flew they decided against it.

Oh that’s cool! I heard they paved a lot of the park, glad some ants remain. Did you see any other species, Pogonomyrmex or Veromessor perhaps?

[JamesJohnson]

There were quite a few Veromessor nests, even in short proximity to a giant S. xyloni nest (at least a dozen entrances). That being said I did see a Veromessor worker who wandered a little too close to the S. xyloni get swarmed and eventually killed. Not a single Pogonomyrmex in sight or really any other species for that matter though. It's definitely dominated by S. xyloni, although it's not the only thing you're going to find. 

[AlexLebedev]

I've heard myrmecocystus can be found in the santa cruz mountains its a 45 minutes drive from my house can someone give me a spot? it will be amazing if someone did 

[JamesJohnson]

I've heard myrmecocystus can be found in the santa cruz mountains its a 45 minutes drive from my house can someone give me a spot? it will be amazing if someone did 

 

Although I can't speak for the spot YsTheAnt mentions (although I too would like to know) I can imagine places like Uvas Canyon County Park or Castle Rock or even some of the smaller parks have a good chance of having M. testaceus. It would be up to you to go through the different parks to find good spots, preferably before they fly. And you'd have a while considering M. testaceus (and P. subdentatus for that matter) only fly during the spring and fall, usually around about the same time (Turns out M. testaceus don't fly during the fall around here, although they do in places more south.).

Edited by JamesJohnson, August 31 2021 - 1:08 PM.

[JamesJohnson]

As Apheanogaster and Pogonomyrmex season draws nearer, do any of you have tips catching either of them you mind sharing? 

[YsTheAnt]

As Apheanogaster and Pogonomyrmex season draws nearer, do any of you have tips catching either of them you mind sharing? 

 

I believe A. occidentalis may have already flown this past weekend as it got quite hot. The Pogonomyrmex will probably wait till October or so till flying.

[JamesJohnson]

As Apheanogaster and Pogonomyrmex season draws nearer, do any of you have tips catching either of them you mind sharing?

I believe A. occidentalis may have already flown this past weekend as it got quite hot. The Pogonomyrmex will probably wait till October or so till flying.

Oh wow, isn’t that kind of early for A. occidentalis? Also when it comes to Pogonomyrmex, is it safe to assume that they’ll fly in a heatwave?

[JamesJohnson]

Would one expect for P. subdentatus flights this week? I'm surprised at how fast things have cooled down, and most places around seem to be in that high 60 to low 70 range.

[YsTheAnt]

Now that it's cooled down, the next spike into the 80s will likely trigger the last P. subdentatus flights of the year, if this year is going to be like previous ones.

[JamesJohnson]

So for instance the East Bay would see some flights this Sunday when it rises back up to 80 degrees?

[NancyZamora4991]

so I have never seen a wild pogonomyrmex colony anywhere near me do you think I could catch them in my neighborhood

[ANTdrew]

so I have never seen a wild pogonomyrmex colony anywhere near me do you think I could catch them in my neighborhood

Punctuation may be the first step.

[YsTheAnt]

so I have never seen a wild pogonomyrmex colony anywhere near me do you think I could catch them in my neighborhood

Probably not.

[NancyZamora4991]

Termites are flying in San Jose all over

[NancyZamora4991]

Still flying.

[JamesJohnson]

Is there any reason why Pogonomyrmex subnitidus isn't native to the Bay Area? There are multiple records of  P. subnitidus within 50 miles both north and south of the Bay Area.