Gaillardia World: Ants Swarming/Ants Living

I knew Gaillardia pulchella (aka "Blanket Flower") was a magnet for bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies, but I was not expecting this sudden eruption from belowground!

This is a swarm of Forelius pruinosus, an ant species that, just like the Gaillardia, is heat-loving and common in the Southwest.

Some members of the colony have gone reproductive, and developed wings in preparation for mating flights.

The whole colony seems excited about the launch. Here is the colony in action:

McDowell Creek, Geary County, KS, June 17, 2022.

However, the prospective brides and grooms seem hesitant. When they reach the top of the flower they sometimes run back down the stem!

Darker species of ant live on Gaillardia or near Gaillardia and venture into the picture frames from time to time. So far they remain unidentified photo-bombers!

July 22, 2022   On the Gaillardia by the barn.

There are also many questions about the what's and why's of the ants' behavior. Lots of mystery here!