Nuptial flights
When and where to catch a queen ant in New Mexico
7 species that commonly fly in New Mexico, with their usual months, the weather to watch for and a way to start each one.
| Species | Flight months | Ideal conditions | Queen size | Type | Recommended setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thief ant Solenopsis molesta | July to September | Warm, humid days | about 4 to 5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Odorous house ant Tapinoma sessile | May to July | Warm, humid days | about 4.5 to 5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta | March to October | Warm, humid days after rain | about 8 to 10 mm | Fully claustral | Not recommended See the Scout |
| Red harvester ant Pogonomyrmex barbatus | June to August | Humid mornings after monsoon-season rain | about 11 to 12 mm | Semi-claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Western harvester ant Pogonomyrmex occidentalis | June to August | Warm mornings after rain | about 10 to 12 mm | Semi-claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| California harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus | July to August | Warm mornings after summer rain | about 8 to 10 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Desert honeypot ant Myrmecocystus mimicus | July to September | Evenings after monsoon-season rain | about 10 to 12 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
How to use this table
Months are approximate. Flights follow warm, humid weather, often after rain, and shift from year to year and across the state. For the weather signs and what to do with a queen, read how to catch a queen.
A queen starts best in a test tube. The Scout takes a 16 mm tube as it is, and the Founder is the next room. See Start here for the order.
Want to see what flies this month? Use the live flight finder.
Before you catch
American Ant makes housing equipment only: nests, outworlds and parts. We do not sell or ship live ants. Check your state and local rules before catching or keeping any ant. Some species, such as imported fire ants, are regulated.
Questions about New Mexico
- What is the easiest beginner queen ant to catch in New Mexico?
- Our range data does not list a beginner species for New Mexico.
- When do queen ants fly in New Mexico?
- Across the species listed for New Mexico, flights fall roughly between March to October. Each species has its own months, and weather decides the exact day.
- Does American Ant sell queens or colonies?
- No. American Ant makes nests, outworlds and parts only. We do not sell live ants.