Swarms of flying ants signify arrival of the summer of love

SWARMS OF flying ants, which have been observed in recent days, are merely engaging in their annual mating rituals and do not represent a danger to people, according to a Trinity College Dublin entomologist.

Sightings of large numbers of the common black garden ant - or Lasius Niger- have been reported in the Dublin area in particular, although experts say their prevalence depends on localised weather conditions.

The ants have disturbed the tranquillity of parks and gardens in the capital and elsewhere.

There have even been reports on an internet discussion board of them causing people to flee Bushy Park in Terenure, south Dublin, in an excited fashion on Monday evening.

People should rest assured, however, that the ants are less interested in humans at this time than in each other, Dr Mark Brown of Trinity College's zoology department has pointed out.

The ants have suddenly begun mating because of a recent rise in temperature coupled with an increase in humidity, he explained. The males, indeed, have been waiting some weeks for the opportunity provided by the emergence of the females now that weather conditions are right.

The swarms occur when the male and female ants conjugate. Eventually the females will drop to the ground when tired of conjugating - it would be unusual if they mated with more than three partners - and break off their wings before seeking somewhere comfortable to nest, explained Dr Brown.

The female will take part in the ritual just once in her lifetime, but will retain sperm in her body, releasing it on an annual basis when she lays fertilised eggs. Over her lifetime she can have between 1,000 and 10,000 offspring.

The future for the males after the ritual mating swarm is not so rosy, however, as they waste away and die within a few days.

"Like bees, I am afraid the males are little more than flying receptacles for sperm," said Dr Brown.

Asked if there was a way the society of ants could be avoided - particularly indoors - Dr Brown said the best way to stop them getting into a house was simply to block up their access routes.

"There was a famous entomologist called Ed Wilson who was asked what he would do if ants got into his house.

"He replied 'I would watch them', which I think is good advice - they are fascinating," he added.

Those who have been bothered by the ants in recent days should take comfort from an assurance by Dr Karl Magnacca, a colleague of Dr Brown's at Trinity College.

He said swarms that last a day or two are very unlikely to occur in the same place twice.