Common Citronella Ant

Capturing the Common Citronella Ant on a backyard camera is all about timing, as they are subterranean for 99% of the year. The best opportunity occurs during 'nuptial flights' in late summer or early autumn. On warm, humid afternoons following a rain, look for hundreds of winged queens and smaller winged males emerging from cracks in the soil or along the edges of concrete slabs. Position your camera at ground level, focused on the exit hole, to capture the chaotic energy of the swarm taking flight.

Because these ants are quite small, a macro lens or a camera with a very close minimum focal distance is necessary to get clear shots. If using a trail camera without macro capabilities, try to place the unit as close to the ground as possible, using a stone or brick to prop the lens at a slight downward angle. Setting your camera to high-speed burst mode or high-frame-rate video is essential, as the winged reproductives move quickly and the swarm can dissipate within an hour.

To find where they might emerge, check under large flat rocks or patio stones in your garden. If you see yellow workers scurrying when you tilt the rock, that is a prime location for a camera setup. While these ants aren't typically attracted to sugar baits used for other species, they may investigate areas of high moisture. Ensure your camera is set to a high sensitivity to trigger on the movement of the swarm, and use a diffused external light source if filming during the evening to avoid overexposing their reflective, golden bodies.