I often see quite a number of dead ants piled up in the midden area of this colony, though the number of live workers seems to be at a steady constant. Good news, as it means the queen is doing well. I just took a peek into the nest and I can see two black, winged males being jostled around by the workers. It’s past the mating season for Myrmica rubra, so I expect these males to be killed and disposed of by the workers soon. Male ants are only good for one thing, and that time has passed. They are now a burden on the colony’s resources – which will not be tolerated.