When to Catch Queen Ants: Nuptial Flight Schedules | AntsCanada Tutorial #36

Summary

This video tutorial from Ants Canada offers tips on capturing queen ants during their nuptial flights, highlighting the best times and methods for North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. It covers essential advice, such as not mixing queens and seeking permission for collection, and provides a guide to the flight schedules of common ant species.

Takeaways

• 🐜 The best part of ant keeping is catching a queen and raising a thriving colony from its originating queen.
• 🌍 Nuptial flight schedules for common ant species are provided for North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
• 🕒 Queens can be found at all times of the day, but the afternoon is preferred, and a black light can help attract them.
• 🔍 Always carry snap cap vials and a business card or playing card for capturing queen ants.
• ⚠ Do not mix queen ants as they may fight and use formic acid, which can be deadly in an enclosed space.
• 🚫 Catching queens with wings is not an indicator of a successful capture; they may still break off wings later.
• 🏠 Always get permission when collecting on private or public property and secure necessary permits.
• 🌧 The best time to find queen ants is after a rainstorm and in warm, humid weather.
• 🏠 Do not catch queens near their nest; instead, search a block away to encourage genetic diversity.
• 📦 Collect as many queen ants as you like, but consider joining the gang project for excess colonies.
• 🌱 With persistence, beginners can find queen ants, and climate change may affect nuptial flight schedules.

Q & A

What is the most rewarding part of ant keeping according to the video?

The most rewarding part of ant keeping is catching a queen ant, nurturing her through the nuptial flight, and caring for her as she produces her thriving ant colony. The bond formed with the pet and colony is unique.

What are the best months to look for queen ants in North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia?

The best months vary by region: North America has specific months for different species, Europe generally has flights from April to October, Australia's ant season is opposite with flights in spring (September to November), and Southeast Asia mostly has flights at the beginning of the rainy season, typically May to July.

What are some tips for hunting queen ants during their nuptial flights?

Tips include looking for queens at all times of the day with preference for afternoons, using a black light to attract them, always carrying snap cap vials, not mixing caught queens, and catching queens even if they still have their wings.

Why should you not mix caught queen ants?

You should not mix caught queen ants because they may fight, and if they are formic acid sprayers, they may spray each other to death, which is especially disastrous in an enclosed space like a snap cap vial or bottle.

What should you do if you are collecting ants on private property or government land?

You should always get formal permission if collecting on private property or secure the necessary permits if collecting on government or public property.

Why is it recommended not to catch queen ants near their origin nest?

It's recommended not to catch queen ants near their origin nest because ants generally fly and mate away from their origin nest, which helps mix the gene pool and prevents sibling mating.

What is the GAM project mentioned in the video, and how can it help ant keepers?

The GAM project is a community effort to help ant keepers sell or give away their colonies to others who are interested. It promotes the ant keeping hobby and helps connect keepers worldwide.

How can climate change affect the nuptial flight schedules of ants?

Climate change can cause high degrees of change in the nuptial flight schedules of ants, making them less predictable as the climate becomes more unstable.

What are some common ant species to look for in North America during their nuptial flights?

Some common ant species in North America include Pheidole, Camponotus, Tetramorium, Formica, and Lasius, with specific species like Camponotus Noveborusque and Lasius neoniger being favorites for beginners.

What is the best time to look for queen ants according to the video?

The best time to look for queen ants is the day or two after a rainstorm and during warm, humid days. They are also more likely to be spotted in countryside, suburban, or field areas.

How can ant keepers contribute to protecting the planet and maintaining stable ecosystems?

Ant keepers can contribute by doing their part to protect the planet, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and climate stability.