Lasius (Acanthomyops) interjectus citronella ants. Prior to a mating flight, males, queens, and workers gather at the surface. Citronella ants are normally subterranean, and the late summer flights are a rare chance to see them above ground.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius mccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius mccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius maccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius maccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius mccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius mccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius mccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius maccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius maccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Early morning sun catches a mating flight of Forelius maccooki in the Sonoran desert.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013