The red imported fire ant is the most notorious and significant species to use the name. The name conventions for fire ants can be a little confusing. Although many nations have spent millions trying to eradicate red imported fire ants Australia is the only country to have had any success. Scientists regard red imported fire ants as one of the worst invasive species in the world.
These are the fire ants Australia is currently investing millions to get rid of. These are a species originally from the central region of South America, that in recent years have spread (probably in cargo ships) to many other countries, including The United States, New Zealand and many Asian and Caribbean countries. But, when people simply refer to “fire ants”, they’re normally referring to the species normally known as the red imported fire ant or RIFA – known to scientists as Solenopsis invicta. The name fire ants actually applies to a number of species of stinging ant found in various parts of the world. It’s no wonder that since they were first discovered in Australia, the government has invested at least $185 in eradicating them.īut exactly what are fire ants, and why are they such a menace? Let’s find out a little about one of the world’s most invasive – and most studied – insects. Since their introduction in 1933, fire ants have spread aggressively in the US and now are estimated to cause billions of dollars in damage and sting around 14 million people every year.
Red ants manual#
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When young queens mature in communities with more than one queen, they fly off with males to create new nests.
Male drones breed with the queen or queens. Inside these busy colonies, female workers maintain the nest’s structure and feed their young. We refer to this action as “stinging.”įire ant nests are like small cities, sometimes containing as many as 200,000 ants, according to Texas A&M University.
Red ants skin#
If provoked, they swarm on the perceived intruder, anchor themselves by biting to hold the skin stable, and then sting repeatedly, injecting a toxin alkaloid venom called solenopsin. The ants crawl all over the hill.įire ants are very aggressive when their nest is disturbed. Unlike most anthills, fire ant nests don’t have just one entrance. They build nests or mounds about 1 foot high, usually in grassy areas like lawns and pastures. They swarm onto your skin and their stings feel like fire.įire ants range in color from red-brown to black, and grow up to 1/4 inch in length. If you are stung by fire ants, you’ll probably know it. Red imported fire ants aren’t supposed to be in the United States, but these dangerous pests have made themselves at home here.
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