This time gap allows the female to mate with multiple males.

Females will attempt to mate with males of any ranks.

They mate for life, with males assisting in raising the young.

A single female may occupy the tree for up to a week, mating with multiple males over that time.

A female will continue to mate with several males throughout the breeding season.

Females might mate with several males in a season.

Females prefer to mate with males that will increase the survival of their young.

Females prefer to mate with males whose scent is familiar.

Later in summer are produced the next year's queens that will mate with males.

This has been interpreted as a way of keeping her from going on to mate with other males.