Mating flights in the SE!

[Blem12]

Good afternoon,

there are tons and tons of Lasius niger and Lasius flavus queens scuttling about in my neighborhood.
I witnessed the male alates flying first then followed by the female alates. The conditions are perfect as it is humid, hot and no wind at all. Balmy weather.

I have caught around 20 queens. Some I will be selling them on here for around £2 - £3 or even free.
Here are some pictures and videos attached regarding the flights in my neighborhood.
I am sorry for the low quality.

I suggest to the ant keepers to have a look around as maybe in your area they have started as well.

Thanks,

Blem12.

Pic:



Vid:


P.S The date on the pic is wrong as my camera has some technical problems.

[Blem12]

Jun 26, 2011 13:53:10 GMT @greenant said:

I love the way the worker ants go into a mad frenzy with lots of rushing about when the flying ants actually emerge from the nest to fly. ;D

Me too. There was another location were the numbers were double than of this video! I put a small stick and within seconds they were on my hand attacking it fiercely!

Blem12.

P.S If anyone wants a queen just send me a PM

[Jenny]

That is interesting Blem, as down on the south coast here I have seen Lasius flavus alate queens while out walking our dog this afternoon; but none of our nests are ready to fly yet. It is about 5 degrees hotter around the London area with no cool sea breeze, so this would account for your much earlier nuptial flights.
Well done on catching those new queens, as Wood and I are still waiting to see any newly mated queens here in Chichester

[lotsofants]

Very lucky ! All I would like to capture is three Lasius flavus queens ! Good luck with them

[Jenny]

Mating flights of nigers are happening everywhere around here as I type. The flavus are not far off either, as they are coming to the surface and could take off any minute. It is very humid at the moment and we could be in for a thunder storm