Post by Deleted on May 12, 2012 1:24:22 GMT 1
I am currently in the process of trying to find a queen ant after her nuptial flight in order to develop my own DIY formicarium. I am having trouble though, so I thought I should ask for advice.
I am located in Southeastern Virginia, US and I am looking for pretty much any species of ant. I am curious if anyone may know what species of ants could be in my area. I have done some research, but I was not able to find much.
Earlier today I went outside to a local trail in order to try to find at least one queen ant. When I was younger, I caught all manner of different insects, but I have lost some of my touch. I saw many flying insects, some of them in groups, but I was unable to identify whether they were ants or not. Many of them appeared to be flying too quickly to be ants and I think they may have been small wasps and flies. What does it look like when ants are involved in a nuptial flight?
Also, I was in the woods, with many trees, leaves as ground cover, rocks, and logs. I was able to find many different ant (and termite) colonies, with at least 3-5 species of ants. The problem is, I did not seem to see any queen ants in the process of digging new nests, though I do realize that I may be a little too early in the season. I am hoping not though. We had rain a couple of days ago and it has since been very warm and sunny, which I believe are the best conditions for nuptial flights.
Is there any advice you all can give me as to what I should look for during a nuptial flight? Should I try to continue looking in the woods or would dirt areas and sidewalks work better?
I am sorry that this post is so long!
I am located in Southeastern Virginia, US and I am looking for pretty much any species of ant. I am curious if anyone may know what species of ants could be in my area. I have done some research, but I was not able to find much.
Earlier today I went outside to a local trail in order to try to find at least one queen ant. When I was younger, I caught all manner of different insects, but I have lost some of my touch. I saw many flying insects, some of them in groups, but I was unable to identify whether they were ants or not. Many of them appeared to be flying too quickly to be ants and I think they may have been small wasps and flies. What does it look like when ants are involved in a nuptial flight?
Also, I was in the woods, with many trees, leaves as ground cover, rocks, and logs. I was able to find many different ant (and termite) colonies, with at least 3-5 species of ants. The problem is, I did not seem to see any queen ants in the process of digging new nests, though I do realize that I may be a little too early in the season. I am hoping not though. We had rain a couple of days ago and it has since been very warm and sunny, which I believe are the best conditions for nuptial flights.
Is there any advice you all can give me as to what I should look for during a nuptial flight? Should I try to continue looking in the woods or would dirt areas and sidewalks work better?
I am sorry that this post is so long!