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What is flying ant day and why do ants fly at the same time every year?
- Annual swarming of winged insects occurs in July or August
At some point in every summer, there is a time when winged ants are seen on the ground and flying all over the sky.
This annual swarm known as flying ant day occurs in July or August when the weather is hot and humid. But why does this happen en masse every year?
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are large winged insects. Also known as alates, those found in urban areas in the UK are usually sexually mature queens or the male garden black variety.
The queens are the largest ants and can grow up to 15 mm.
Female winged ants can live up to 15 years, but males usually die just days after mating – the only reason they were bred.
‘Flying ant day’ is a term used to refer to the season, usually when the weather is humid, when winged queens take off (stock photo)
Is there a ‘flying ant day’?
Flying ant day is a term used to describe a day, usually in July or August, when the sky is filled with swarms of winged ants.
It occurs when the climate is hot and humid, which is usually earlier in urban areas.
The phenomenon can occur at different times in different parts of the country depending on the weather conditions.
It sometimes coincides with major events. Flying ant day is known for wreaking havoc on tennis players who hit the court during Wimbledon in early July.
However, it is best described as a season, rather than a single day, as ants do not all fly at the same time during the same 24-hour period.
In fact, the event can take place over several weeks, with performances peaking multiple times over a few days.
Why do ants fly and swarm?
Ant queens grow wings and fly to find male mates and establish new colonies.
Each year they leave their nest to find a male mate and a new place to build a new colony.
Large females often fly together with smaller males. This is called nuptial flight.
Swarming helps both colonies protect themselves from predators and increases the chances of reproduction.
Despite being an irritant, flying ants have many positive effects, including improving soil quality and providing a source of food for birds (stock photo)
But flying ant day is actually a good thing…
While it may be an unwanted irritation for some, flying ant day actually plays an important role.
The annual swarming event not only improves soil quality, but is also a food source for many birds, such as swifts and gulls that feed on the winged insects.
And ants are also responsible for the survival of another more attractive insect, the silver-studded blue butterfly.
They tend to caterpillars and protect them from predators in exchange for feeding on their secretions.