M. Rubra Nuptial Flight?

[Encrtia]

I've seen many Lasius Nuptial flights as they end up flooding the streets in a desperate attempt to find soft earth to bury into, but I've never seen an M. Rubra nuptial flight.

If it's at all possible, could someone post/pm/e-mail/anything(lolz) the instant things start cooking up, or they're flying around, because I really have no clue regarding this specie of ant. If you could, I'd be very very MUITO grateful ^^;;

I'm expecting they tend to go out on a warm summer's day, preferably little wind, anywhere from 8am - 6pm or so, but it's as if they've been invisible in my entire life's existence

Of course, this is all assuming I've not missed a giant flight already hehe... can anyone share some ancient wisdom?

[Wood~Ant]

Hi Encrtia and welcome to the Ant Hill

From my own experience Myrmica often fly late afternoon into early evening time here in England, and usually around late July and throughout August.
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[Encrtia]

Hi hi, thanks for the welcome

As for the nuptial flight, thanks! Hopefully I'll be in the UK in time.. going to Portugal for 3 weeks. Per chance do you know of a link to a decent sized picture so I know what I'd be looking for? Can't let insufficient knowledge flaw this opportunity!

by the way, you wouldn't happen to know anything about the Aphaenogaster senilis nuptial flights? =P I'd love to look into it whilst in Portugal ha ha CD One of my favourite types of ant!

[jameslovell]

Hi Encrtia,

There have already been a number a Myrmica rubra flights already in the south.

The last one I witnessed was a small nuptail flight and this was 2 days ago.

It was after 7pm so quite late.

This was in Kent.

You might still get lucky.

As I'm sure you know already keep an eye out for them when its been a hot and humid day.

And go in the evenings for the best chance.

All the best

James

[Kyle]

All the Myrmica nests near where I live are completely empty of alates (apart from the odd male), which is kinda annoying if I have missed it, but may still get lucky as they could have been below the surface, but that's more wishful thinking than anything else, although a few Lasius nigers still have alates, but I'm still doubtful .

[Encrtia]

Damn, I missed it. I arrived from Portugal today =/ I'll keep an eye out for any, though I doubt I'll be fortunate enough to catch them.

thanks

[jameslovell]

Hi,

There were M rubra flights this evening.

Dark outside now though.

If they had it today then they might have it again this week as bit of a heatwave at the moment.

All the best

James