There was alot of activity with 3 openings to the colony being made quite big.
My initial thought was that they were making room for some food or airing out the tunnels from today's rain.
Nuptial flights tend to occur in Melbourne during the beginning of September, springtime, and at the beginning of April, Autumn.
The light rains of both seasons with optimal light breezes tends to trigger the event.
Even though it is March, today's weather is much in line with "April Showers".... which could also be a Weather person's name...😋
The ceremony is as important as any.
The Nuptial Flight is the colony's chance at immortality. Their line can continue, much like some human interpretations of what Immortality means.
I watched for over an hour, as the alates would poke their head out and back in. Then emerge for a few seconds and then run back into colony safety.
There was this little lady her ran from one entrance and into another.
I think this could go on for some time.
The ceremony is essential and follows an eleborate back and forth, with much excitement.
However, I did not see any male ants, so I'll keep my eye on it. The males are rather poor physical specimens and have only been raised to copulate and then die.
Keep your eyes on the ground. You may see one of these foundling, now wingless, queens scurrying to find a place to begin a new colony.
I'm @jagged.