After a week straight of temperatures being in solid 20*C, yesterday, several hours before rain at around noon I noticed male alates building up on my balcony railing. I decided to take a quick walk down few streets as there are quite a lot oak trees. As soon as I entered street, I could see freshly dug out exits from nest of which all were in ground next to concrete balls that people plant in ground to deter people from parking.
It didn't take me lot of time to notice queens going around, trying to find a place to dig in their nest.
Wingless queen mating for second, maybe third or fourth time.
I've ended up scooping 11 queens in total as it was race against pigeons who really enjoyed the flying feast around them.
I paired up 10 queens in pairs and left one queen alone. One thing I noticed is that all queens but one still keep their wings, even though I saw some of them mate and male detach from them, after which I would collect them.
So far half of queens seem content with their test tube and are on moist cotton, while some seem rather pissy and are pulling on cotton.
Pair of winged and de-winged(?) queens.
Pulling on cotton, trying to get out.
Really just enjoying her time.
Darker shot of other wingless queen.
I'm looking forward to eventual success of at least some of the queens I've captured, and hopefully this journal can continue for many more years 
If you have any tips or info on this species, feel free to PM me or post it here.
Edited by GeorgeK, March 9 2019 - 2:38 PM.
