Finding a queen ant is the first step in starting your own colony. In Australia, different species have unique flight patterns, making it important to know when and where to look. Once you’ve captured a queen, make sure you know how to properly care for her with our guide on What to Do with a Queen Ant After Capture
1. Understanding Nuptial Flights
Queen ants begin their journey to start a colony with nuptial flights, where they leave their home colony to mate with males in the air.
- When to Look:
- Season: Most Australian ants fly during the warm months, from October to February, though some species fly earlier or later depending on the region. If you’re unsure which species to look for, check out our guide on Best Australian Ant Species for Beginners
- Weather Conditions: Look after heavy rain, especially on warm, humid days with little to no wind. Rain softens the ground, making it easier for queens to dig their nests.
- Time of Day:
- Many species fly in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are moderate.
- Some ants, like Bull Ants (Myrmecia), fly at night and are attracted to artificial lights.
2. Where to Find Queen Ants
Queens are most easily found after landing from their nuptial flight. Knowing where to search improves your chances of spotting one.
- Pavements and Footpaths:
- Queens often land on solid surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and roads, making them easy to spot.
- Gardens, Parks, and Open Spaces:
- Soft soil areas provide ideal nesting spots for newly mated queens.
- Near Ant Colonies:
- Some queens remain near their parent colony for a short time before moving to a new location.
- At Night:
- Nocturnal species can be attracted to artificial lights, just like moths.
- Using a black light (UV light) on a white sheet or towel can lure flying queens down, making them easy to catch.
3. How to Identify a Queen Ant vs. a Worker
Queens can look similar to workers, but there are key differences that help you confirm you’ve found one.
Size
- Queens are noticeably larger than workers of the same species.
- They often have a larger abdomen, as they store eggs for starting their colony.
Thorax (Middle Section of the Body)
- A queen’s thorax is much larger and more pronounced than a worker’s.
- This is because it once housed her wing muscles from the nuptial flight.
- Workers have a smaller, streamlined thorax for movement and foraging.
Wing Scars
- After mating, a queen sheds her wings, leaving small wing scars on her thorax.
- These scars look like tiny bumps or marks on the upper back area of the queen.
- Workers never have these scars, as they never had wings.
Behavior
- Queens move more slowly and cautiously, often searching for a nesting spot.
- Workers move quickly and with purpose, usually foraging for food.
- If you see an ant wandering aimlessly, it could be a queen searching for a place to nest.
Mandibles & Head Size
- Some queen ants have larger heads and mandibles, especially in species where queens are more involved in colony defense (e.g., Bull Ant queens).
- Worker ants often have more refined mandibles for carrying food and tending to the colony.
4. Tools and Techniques for Catching Queens
Having the right tools and techniques ensures safe and effective collection.
Tools:
- Test Tubes or Small Containers:
- Use clear tubes or plastic containers with air holes to secure queens.
- Cotton Balls:
- To seal the container and provide a soft, secure environment.
- UV Light (for Night Species):
- A black light torch with a white sheet works wonders for attracting nocturnal queens.
Catching Technique:
- Step 1: Approach the queen slowly to avoid startling her.
- Step 2: Place the opening of the test tube or container in front of her path.
- Step 3: Gently nudge her with a soft tool (e.g., a paintbrush or twig) into the tube.
- Step 4: Once inside, seal the tube with a cotton ball to ensure airflow.
- Pro Tip: Avoid using your fingers to pick her up, as some species can bite or sting.
A test tube setup is the best way to transport and house a queen—learn how to set one up in our guide on The Perfect Test Tube Setup for Queen Ants.
5. Stay Safe: Some Queens Can Bite or Sting
While most queens are harmless, some species (like Bull Ants) have painful bites or stings.
- Safety Tips:
- Avoid direct handling of queens, especially aggressive species like Bull Ants.
- Wear gloves if you’re unsure of the species.
- Always observe queens for signs of aggression, like raised mandibles or rapid movement.
6. Check Local Laws
It’s essential to understand the legal considerations of collecting ants from the wild:
- Protected Species: Some ant species may be protected by conservation laws. Research your local regulations to ensure ethical collection.
- Permits: In some cases, permits may be required to collect wildlife, including ants.
- Invasive Species: Avoid capturing and keeping invasive species, as this may harm local ecosystems.
Where to Find Information:
- Check your state or territory’s environmental protection department or wildlife conservation authority for guidelines on ant collection.
7. Popular Species to Look For
Australia is home to a wide range of fascinating ant species. Here are a few worth keeping:
- Bull Ants (Myrmecia):
- Large, aggressive, and fascinating to keep. Many species are nocturnal and attracted to light.
- Sugar Ants (Camponotus):
- Beginner-friendly species, known for their docile nature.
- Green Tree Ants (Oecophylla):
- Unique ants that create nests out of leaves. These are better for advanced keepers.
- Meat Ants (Iridomyrmex):
- Large, active ants that can form huge colonies.
8. Ethics and Conservation
- Respect Nature: Always ensure that your collection practices do not harm the environment.
- Release Unwanted Queens: If you catch a queen you don’t intend to keep, release her in a safe spot.
- Limit Collection: Only catch queens you plan to keep and care for.
Conclusion
Catching queen ants in Australia is an exciting and rewarding hobby. By understanding the seasons, habitats, and behaviors of queens, you’ll improve your chances of success. Don’t forget to experiment with techniques like black lights for nocturnal species, and always follow local laws to ensure ethical ant-keeping. Once you’ve secured your first queen, learn what happens next in our guide on Understanding Ant Colony Growth Stages.
