Utah Ant Keepers, Help Requested!

[USGSPk]

I'm interested in finding queens here around Ogden, Utah, but it looks like I may have missed the season. Are there any species which will be attainable In September-October? If so, where would I find them?

Unfortunately, I will be unable to hunt for ant species next year, so I was hoping to start my colony this year if possible.

I DO see that there are colonies available through the GAN, however I'd like to learn to find queens on my own if possible.

[Batspiderfish]

Solenopsis molesta has been found during September, in Utah. You might also find some Lasius. Check outside on warm, windless afternoons (after rainfall is preferable, but some ants might try to fly, regardless, if the humidity gets over 40%).

[USGSPk]

Hooray- thank you!

I would love to look for both of those species, however I haven't yet found any of their nests near my home. So far it's all been tetramorium and pogonomyrmex. I'm really fond of the pogonomyrmex, but they don't seem like a good beginner species since they sting, grow quickly, want large foraging spaces, and move so fast.

Lasius really seems ideal.

Does anyone out there know of any colonies in vicinity of Ogden?

Side question- has there been any discussion about building a gel-database of wild ant colonies so we can track the growth/decline of native species and spread and possible origin of invasive species?

It might even be useful as a kind of ant epidemiological data.

[Batspiderfish]

I, as well as a few other people, am making a database to track mating flights by location, but tracking actual colonies takes a lot of diligence and organization.

You could also possibly find some Pogonomyrmex. There haven't been all that many forum users from Utah.

[USGSPk]

Will pogos fly this late?

[Batspiderfish]

People were finding alates in late August. They do occasionally have Autumn flights.

[ooper01]

Glad to have another ant keeper from Utah! I have found Lasius in the Utah mountains this late, but you have to lift rocks to find them as they have already flown. The ones I have found do not dig deep claustral chambers under the rocks, so they can easily be collected. A pair of featherweight tweezers are very useful in getting them.

The thing about Lasius, however, is that they tend to overwinter after nuptial flight, then they begin egg laying in the Spring. So even if you find some queens, you'll still be waiting until Spring before they begin a colony. Better than nothing though. You'll have a great start for next year should you find some.

PS. I grew up in the Ogden area. Graduated from Ben Lomond HS and Weber State Univ. Living in Salt Lake valley now, but all my family and my wife's family is still up there.

[USGSPk]

Thanks for the response!

In that case, I might try to find some lasius queens along the road up to Huntsville. I don't mind overwintering them. The only problem is that I'll be in the Middle East for spring/summer next year, so I'll likely miss ant season again in 2017! Though I could try to find some ants there and raise a colony...

Glad to hear you have such a strong familiarity with the area. I wish I was staying here long enough to get to know the scene as well as you do. The opportunities for outdoor activities are almost endless!