We've hit that quiet time

[Wood~Ant]

I take it nobody had any ant related gifts for Xmas, and as the next 2 months are likely to prove very inactive for most of us with ants colonies (at least in cold countries anyway), then the Ant Hill is going to have very few posts I imagine

Not until we get an influx of new members, or those of us who keep ants as a hobby, are we likely to see a lots of posts again

If anyone does get new ants, then I think it will not be until spring, so let's hope they get some cool species

[Quah]

It is unusual here in Kuala Lumpur that at this time of the year when many ants species will release their alates that there have been almost a drought of nuptial flights.

It could be do to the unusually heavy rain in the September to early November months which saw flooding in many areas. This might have adversely affected the nest development of many ants species.

November to December is usually a rainy period though not as long as the March to June season. Though the rains are coming albeit less frequently than last year, I have not witnessed the typical torrent of nuptials that had been common in this period.

I am hoping to make a trip to do some ant hunting in the January to February period but it is still uncertain whether I will be able to find the time.

[spike]

I would like to point out that although it is spring time, there seems to be a lack of ants in my area recently. In normal years I would find queen ants scurrying around on the cement trying to find a good home in the near end of summer and all through sometimes in which they would be easy picking. However last year I couldn't find a single one all year long and only one of the days that entire year did I hear about a colony releasing new queens and soon to be dead kings flying from their home... unfortunatly I missed that one Perhaps I'm just not looking hard enough lately or it could be because I need new contacts >>