Nuptial Flight Map

See which ant species swarm where across the United States. Pick a month, search for a species, and tap a dot for details.

    Indicative data compiled from AntWiki, scientific papers and antkeeper flight reports. Flight months shift with weather, rainfall, altitude and latitude, so treat this map as a guide, not a guarantee. Free to share: use "Embed this map" or link to this page from your blog, club or class page.

    Winged reproductive ant (alate) resting on a green leaf before its nuptial flight

     What is a nuptial flight? 

    A nuptial flight is the mating flight of an ant colony. Once a year (sometimes more often), a mature colony produces winged males and winged virgin queens, called alates. On the right day, often within the same hour across a whole neighborhood, they leave the nest together and mate in the air. The males die shortly afterwards. The newly mated queens land, break off their wings and look for a place to start a brand new colony on their own.

    For antkeepers, that short window is the best chance of the year to find a mated queen. Miss it, and you may have to wait another twelve months for that species. That is exactly why we built this map: to show which species fly where, and in which months.

     When do ants fly in the United States? 

    Every species has its own season, but a rough pattern holds across most of the country:

    • Late winter and early spring: a few cold-tolerant species, such as the winter ant (Prenolepis imparis), fly on mild days when most other ants are still inactive.
    • Late spring to early summer: carpenter ants (Camponotus), many Aphaenogaster species and pavement ants start flying as temperatures rise.
    • Mid to late summer: the busiest period for most of the US. In the Southwest, harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex) typically fly after the first heavy summer rains, and in the East the cornfield ant (Lasius neoniger) is known as the "Labor Day ant" for its late summer flights.
    • Fall and winter: flights slow down in the North, but in the Gulf states, Florida and Hawaii several species keep flying, including invasive fire ants.

    Most flights happen on a warm, humid day after rain with little wind. The same species can fly weeks later in the North or in the mountains than it does further south. Use the month buttons on the map above to see exactly which species are recorded in each month, and search for a species to follow it through the year.

     Frequently asked questions 

     Which month do most ants fly in the US? 

    For most of the country, late spring and summer are peak season. On the map, May through August hold the most flight records, with July as the busiest month. In the South and in Florida, flights are spread out over a much longer part of the year.

     Why do flying ants appear right after rain? 

    Many species wait for a warm, humid day after rainfall. The moist soil makes it easier for newly mated queens to dig a founding chamber, and the calm, humid air suits the weak-flying alates.

     Do all ants fly? 

    No. Workers never have wings. Only the reproductive males and young queens fly, and only during the nuptial flight. A few species, including some invasive ants, mostly spread by budding, where a queen and workers walk off to start a new nest nearby.

     How do I know if I found a mated queen? 

    A mated queen is clearly larger than a worker, has a broad, muscular thorax and has usually removed her wings, leaving small wing scars on her back. You will often see her walking alone and searching for a place to dig in. Our guide on how to catch a queen ant in the USA explains what to look for.

     Can I find queen ants in fall or winter? 

    In most northern states the season is largely over by October. In the Gulf states, Florida and Hawaii, several species fly in fall and even in winter, so select the month on the map to see what is active near you.

     Is it legal to keep the queen I catch? 

    Keeping a native queen you caught in your own area is generally fine, but transporting ants across state lines is regulated. Check our guide to US ant keeping laws before you buy, sell or ship any ants.

     Can I use this map on my website or in class? 

    Yes. Teachers, nature clubs, bloggers and antkeepers are welcome to share and reference the map. If you use it on your website, in a lesson or in a newsletter, please link back to this page so others can find it too.