Flying ants swarm southern Finnish skies

Swarm of flying ants have filled the skies over southern Finland in recent days, according to ant researcher and University of Oulu evolutionary biology professor Heikki Helanterä.

The insects are queens and males of the black garden ant, commonly known as sugar ants, engaging in their annual mating flights. These ants are widespread in cities and parks where people live.

Mating flights require sunny and calm weather. After prolonged poor conditions, the first suitable day triggers a mass emergence, Helanterä said.

Different ant species have distinct mating periods. Black garden ants are currently active, while horse ants mate in late spring and early summer. Wood ants have multiple flights throughout the summer, and red ants mate later in August.

After mating, males die while queens shed their wings and search for new nesting sites. Queens can live up to 20 years if conditions are favorable, whereas males live only for the single summer mating season.