Nuptial flights
When and where to catch a queen ant in South Dakota
8 species that commonly fly in South Dakota, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big-headed ant Pheidole bicarinata | June to August | Warm, humid days | about 5.5 to 6.5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Thief ant Solenopsis molesta | July to September | Warm, humid days | about 4 to 5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Western carpenter ant Camponotus vicinus | April to July | Warm days, usually after spring rain | about 12 to 15 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Pavement ant Tetramorium immigrans | May to July | Warm, humid days; often seen on pavement | about 7 to 8.5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Labor Day ant Lasius neoniger | August to October | Warm, humid late summer afternoons | about 8 to 9 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Little black ant Monomorium minimum | June to August | Warm, humid days | about 4 to 4.5 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 |
| 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 |
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 South Dakota
- What is the easiest beginner queen ant to catch in South Dakota?
- Camponotus vicinus (Western carpenter ant), Tetramorium immigrans (Pavement ant), Lasius neoniger (Labor Day ant) are among the easier queens to start in South Dakota. Months and conditions vary by year.
- When do queen ants fly in South Dakota?
- Across the species listed for South Dakota, flights fall roughly between April 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.