8 replies to this topic

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

Okay

Please do not turn this post into a argument. The only reason I am doing this is because I go to India every summer and can not catch mated queens. I will only dig up a young colony from a queen that flew this year. And from a place with lot's of P.badius.

If anyone has tips please let me know.

[ANTdrew]

Look up Walter Tschinkel’s work. He’s dug up literally hundreds of P. badius colonies over the years. It is no easy task, but at least the soil is sandy.

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

Thanks

[CheetoLord02]

Digging up P. badius in the spring is easy. Shortly after their diapause period, the queens will come to the surface to warm up and kickstart egg laying. Go around 10am in March and the queen should be within 2ft of the surface. I made a whole video about it:

https://youtu.be/NIx...1ZieZQQx8jPoga7

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

I saw your video it's good

but if I had the patience to wait till spring for a species I have been looking for for years belive me I would.

I am going this Sunday fingers crossed

Edited by asim, November 3 2023 - 1:28 PM.

[antsinvirgina]

I saw your video it's good

 

but if I had the patience to wait till spring for a species I have been looking for for years belive me I would. 

 

I am going this Sunday finger crossed

Best of Luck

[CheetoLord02]

I saw your video it's good

but if I had the patience to wait till spring for a species I have been looking for for years belive me I would.

I am going this Sunday fingers crossed

A cool day in Fall may have the same effect, but unlikely. Technically with enough determination, they can be dug up during any time of year, since Florida sand is pretty easy to dig a very deep hole in (as long as you don't run into any roots). Good luck.

[ANTdrew]

Walter Tschinkel’s book, Ant Architecture, is an INCREDIBLE read. He details the entire process of excavating mature P. badius colonies in Florida sand. I can’t recommend it enough!

[JustabirdfromFlorida]

Yeah I read a ton of articles about his work. He also said that young colonies are about 20 inches deep. So hopefully I can dig one up

I saw your video it's good

but if I had the patience to wait till spring for a species I have been looking for for years belive me I would.

I am going this Sunday fingers crossed

A cool day in Fall may have the same effect, but unlikely. Technically with enough determination, they can be dug up during any time of year, since Florida sand is pretty easy to dig a very deep hole in (as long as you don't run into any roots). Good luck.

Thanks I need the good luck