A Comparison of Flights of Four Species of Ants

Abstract

In 1943, Lasius niger alienus americanus flights occurred on August 30th, 31th and September 4th, 5th and 28th, in the late afternoon (between 3:30 and 6:00), when the air was cooling (71[degree]-80[degree]F). Approaching storm was a stimulus to flight but not a necessary one. Before flight days nest openings were enlarged and [male][male] made preliminary excursions aboveground. Flights were conspicuous because colonies were numerous and each gave rise to many winged ants. [male] [male] outnumbered [female] [female] at least 100 to 1. Prenolepis imparts flew on March 25th, 29th and 30th, in the warmest part (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) of the first warm days (71[degree]-84[degree]F.). Entrances were multiplied and [male][male] appeared aboveground before flight. [male] [male] flew in swarms from 4 to 6 feet above the ground but [female] [female] flew little; consequently, most mating took place on the ground. [male] [male] outnumbered [female] [female] 8 to 1. Myrmica schencki emeryana flights occurred on July 16th, 19th, 20th and 21st, in the early morning (6-8 a.m.) while the air was cool (64[degree]-74[degree]F). No preflight nest modifications were made but [female] [female] came out for a week before flight. Flights were inconspicuous because winged ants never flew in numbers. [female] [female] outnumbered [male] [male] 3 to 1. Formica pallide-fulva schaufussi incerta flights took place on July 21st, 23rd and 24th in the morning (8-10 a.m.) when the temp. was rising (76[degree]-85[degree]F). No preflight activity took place and winged [female] left the nest one at a time and at infrequent intervals.