Australian Flights

[doogsy]

Hi,
Its heading into summer here and I was just wondering if anyone knew when the Australian flights usually occured. I really want to be prepared, I've been looking forward to startinga colony for a while now.

[Jenny]

Mating flights occur during many periods from early spring through summer. Most follow within a few days of a heavy rainstorm. I presume this pattern follows for most countries, there isn't any specific times to be found on the web, but mating times vary depending on the different ant species.....

Here in the UK it is always around mid summer, after a heavy rainfall the previous day, when it is very hot and humid with next to no wind. They usually fly late in the day, towards 4pm onwards, there are signs throughout the day, as you see extra activity outside the entrance holes, where dozens of winged females are going into overdrive of activity........
The American lads have also given the same information in their country.

It is being extra vigilant at these times, that will gain you a queen

[jameslovell]

Hi,

I remember being in Australia in 2002 and witnessing some nuptial flights there.

I was doing a road trip with my mate and on one walk (to see some seals) by the coast we thought we were being attacked by these huge wasps.

They were massive!

We ran and eventually saw the seals. On the way back we knew we would have to get past these wasps again without being stung. So on walking back I realised these huge wasps were in fact queen ants. A picture taken on the trip around this time give or take 2-3 weeks was the beginning of January.

Anyway always remember that moment.

Saw some other large ants out there in South Australia as well as green ants up North.

All the best

James