Prenolepis imparis flight questions

[Whitelotus]

For those who live in North America, one of the first species to begin their nuptial flights in the the year is Prenolepis (aka the winter ant). If you have caught this genus early in the year, may I ask where you were able to locate the new queens and when was the time period you had caught the genus?

I have had terrible luck finding Prenolepis queens every year and would like to get a bit of advice or input from those who have successfully caught them.

[antnest8]

I find that the easiest place to catch prenolepis imparis is to first find a nest and then watch it for signs of nuptial flight, Then during the flight check the nearby area for queens, if need be you can follow the queen until it lands a mates.

Prenolepis nests are usually under or near trees, especially in woodchips. This is from experience of course.

[antnest8]

Though After you find a queen (or several) make sure you watch them closely, I usually find that they are a very delicate species. of both the years I caught them they made it to the nanitics but then died off.

[YeeYeeYee]

A usual time I got hunting for prenolepis imparis is around 2:30 if there isn't too much sun. I recommend going to a big, leafy park. I would not recommend taking 5 or more in a test tube, as I did that twice and most of the queens were dying. I still don't know the reason. Finally, go out hunting after a light shower or some rain. Good Luck!!!

[YeeYeeYee]

A usual time I got hunting for prenolepis imparis is around 2:30 if there isn't too much sun. I recommend going to a big, leafy park. I would not recommend taking 5 or more in a test tube, as I did that twice and most of the queens were dying. I still don't know the reason. Finally, go out hunting after a light shower or some rain. Good Luck!!!

[StrickyAnts]

Are winter ants still flying? Right know it's March 1st and wondering if there still flying. Sorry for not using there scientific name I kinda forgot how to spell it. Thanks in advance!!

[YeeYeeYee]

Yes, they are still flying. They are known to fly up to April, I think, as last year in late spring I saw hordes of Prenolepis Imparis flying at my school. They do take some time to lay eggs though.
What I saw: They barely fly any distance. One princess that came out of the nest just walked away from the colony and found a male.

[StrickyAnts]

Thanks