14 replies to this topic

[AntsTexas]

it just rained heavy at times, any chance of them flying??

[BrittonLS]

I'd say- wait I don't have any actual experience in this and it would be total conjecture. If it was enough for the ground to be soft and moist at the surface I'd say look out!

[AntsTexas]

thanks, will do that later...

[AntsAnonymous]

From what I have read, they are a late summer(July-August) species.

[AntsTexas]

ty

[BrittonLS]

I really need to find another place I can go look for these. My friend is starting to get bugged by me constantly asking him about them after it rains. Lol

[yen_saw]

Sorry i am a little too late on this thread but would like to share my experience on P. barbatus nuptial flight. Base on my experience, this species performs nuptial flight on a sunny hot day following heavy rain on the previous day. They will not fly if it's too windy or cloudy even after a rainy day.

[BrittonLS]

Bugh, looks like wind speed today will be a steady 14mph, think that's too much for 'em?

[yen_saw]

Yes. You might see the winged ants coming out of the hole but they will move back into the nest if it's too windy or cloudy. It's a picky species on choosing the best day to mate. Most of the nuptial flights have been taken place around Houston area last month.

[BrittonLS]

Yeah, it was strange though, I only saw one nest with males popping in and out out of around 9 nests I looked at. Think that means all the others flew some other time? I need more than one to catch mated queens! I'll probably be looking again tomorrow anyhow. Hopefully some more will have more left besides just them. But 1 out of 9 isn't great odds lol

[AntsTexas]

that's what i saw too...

[BrittonLS]

Yeah, it looked exactly like the picture you posted.

[yen_saw]

Yeah, it was strange though, I only saw one nest with males popping in and out out of around 9 nests I looked at. Think that means all the others flew some other time? I need more than one to catch mated queens! I'll probably be looking again tomorrow anyhow. Hopefully some more will have more left besides just them. But 1 out of 9 isn't great odds lol

 Unless you have a very favorable weather i.e. very heavy rain follow by a hot sunny day with clear sky. You will not see winged specimen from every nest flying the same. they might popping in and out of the nest but hesitate to fly. 

[BrittonLS]

Yeah, there were some pretty strong gusts. I saw one make get blown about a for when he tried to climb out. There was pretty heavy rain for a bit Wednesday. Should be a little warmer and a little less windy today. Just hoping they didn't all decide on a late afternoon flight yesterday, I left about 1:30.

[AntsTexas]

i saw s. invicta try and fly on a windy day, they gave up went underground and had a nice cup of warm honeydew or something.....