7 replies to this topic

[Tanks]

Found some colonies of these a while back near me and I want to catch some queens. What month do they fly? What time do flights occur at? And what are the conditions needed for a  Myrmecocystus wheeleri nuptial flight to happen?

[AntsCali098]

Myrmecocystus fly June - August as a genus, not sure about that species. It needs to rain the day before.

[dspdrew]

I've seen Myrmecocystus fly from January until October if the weather conditions are right. Here in Southern California, they typically fly March through September from my experience.
 
Here is how I would put it for Socal:
 

January (rare):  Foothills, Deserts
February (rare): Foothills, Deserts
March:           Foothills, Deserts
April:           Foothills, Deserts
May:             Mountains
June:            Deserts
July:            Deserts
August:          Deserts
September:       Deserts
October (rare):  Deserts

It really sounds like you need the mating chart.
 
https://www.formicul...ngmating-chart/

[Tanks]

I've seen Myrmecocystus fly from January until October if the weather conditions are right. Here in Southern California, they typically fly March through September from my experience.
 
Here is how I would put it for Socal:
 

January (rare):  Foothills, Deserts
February (rare): Foothills, Deserts
March:           Foothills, Deserts
April:           Foothills, Deserts
May:             Mountains
June:            Deserts
July:            Deserts
August:          Deserts
September:       Deserts
October (rare):  Deserts

It really sounds like you need the mating chart.
 
https://www.formicul...ngmating-chart/

 

Thank you. I will make sure to check out the mating chart so I don't have to keep bugging you guys.

[Tanks]

I forgot to ask something. What time do they fly? Do they fly in the morning, afternoon, or night? And when would it be the best time to go look for freshly mated alates?

[dspdrew]

I've always suspected they fly some time in the morning, but I've never seen them fly, so I don't know for sure.

[mazmurlo]

if it truly is myrmecocystus wheeleri they'll fly spring

Edited by mazmurlo, September 24 2023 - 8:15 PM.

[Tanks]

I've always suspected they fly some time in the morning, but I've never seen them fly, so I don't know for sure.

Ok, thank you.