The next 14 photos were taken at one nest exit, in the space of three minutes. The alates (winged ants) seemed eager to fly off -- especially the males. The major workers, no wings, seemed to be trying to keep them in line. The smaller workers were trampled. A few winged females emerged as well. After much milling around, back and forth, they all retreated back into the nest hole. We never saw any ants fly off. 12:07:51 pm.