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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2015 20:59:05 GMT
My myrmica rubra colony now has quite a few male and female alates and tonight there has been lots of activity. The alates seem to be getting agitated and buzzing round the nest. The drones in particular seem to be pestering female workers quite a bit. I know that normally there are mating flights but I wondered if it was possible for matings to take place within the confines of nest? Has anyone had any experience of this in one of their own colonies?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2015 21:10:46 GMT
I have witnessed a male rubra in one of my old rubra colonies try mating with workers just outside the nest entrance. Had they been female alates I think he would have successfully mated with them. So I'd say yes, it is possible.
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Post by Wood~Ant on Jun 25, 2015 22:30:00 GMT
In captivity it may be improbable, but not entirely impossible to have brother/sister mating occur.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2015 11:41:59 GMT
I'll keep my eyes peeled to see if any newly mated queens become apparent. It would be amazing if it were possible as it means the colony could survive indefinitely if new matings were taking place every year!
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