query: where did red imported fire ants come from

pos: Red imported fire ants in the United States Red imported fire ants in the United States The red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta"), or simply RIFA, is one of over 280 species in the widespread genus "Solenopsis". It is native to South America but it has become both a pest and a health hazard in the southern United States as well as a number of other countries. In the 1930s, colonies were accidentally introduced into the United States through the seaport of Mobile, Alabama. Despite earlier views that cargo ships from Brazil docking at Mobile unloaded goods infested with the ants, recent DNA research confirmed that the likely

pos: Red imported fire ants in Australia Red imported fire ants in Australia The red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta") is native to South America but it has spread to Australia, New Zealand, several Asian and Caribbean countries and the United States of America (USA). Fire ants are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the world's most invasive species. Fire ants were first detected in Australia in Queensland in 2001. The Australian government has listed Fire ants as a Key Threatening Process in recognition of the ant’s potential to severely impact on Australia’s biodiversity. Fire ants have a copper brown

pos: Red imported fire ant pulling on the antennae or legs. Small, monomorphic ants rely on recruitment to kill queens and do not attack them until reinforcements arrive. Aside from killing the queen, some ants may steal the eggs for consumption or emit a repellent that is effective against red imported fire ants. Certain ant species may raid colonies and destroy them. Flies in the genus "Pseudacteon" (phorid flies) are known to be parasitic to ants. These flies are parasitoids of the red imported fire ant in its native range in South America, and can be attracted through the ants' venom alkaloids. One species, "Pseudacteon

pos: Red imported fire ants in the United States Red imported fire ants in the United States The red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta"), or simply RIFA, is one of over 280 species in the widespread genus "Solenopsis". It is native to South America but it has become both a pest and a health hazard in the southern United States as well as a number of other countries. In the 1930s, colonies were accidentally introduced into the United States through the seaport of Mobile, Alabama. Despite earlier views that cargo ships from Brazil docking at Mobile unloaded goods infested with the ants, recent DNA research confirmed that the likely

pos: Red imported fire ants in Australia three years after arrival. Experts argue that funding for effective national surveillance and eradication programs are required while a brief window of opportunity to efficiently eradicate the fire ant still exists. A recent economic report concluded that every dollar spent on eradication now would save $25 in the longer term. Red imported fire ants in Australia The red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta") is native to South America but it has spread to Australia, New Zealand, several Asian and Caribbean countries and the United States of America (USA). Fire ants are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

pos: Red imported fire ant colonies often thrive at slightly cooler temperatures (around 25 °C). The high rate of metabolic activity associated with warmer temperatures is a limiting factor on colony growth because the need for food consumption is also increased. As a result, larger colonies tend to be found in cooler conditions because the metabolic demands required to sustain a colony are decreased. Red imported fire ants are native to the tropical areas of Central and South America, where they have an expansive geographical range that extends from southeastern Peru to central Argentina, and to the south of Brazil. In contrast to its geographical

pos: Black imported fire ant Black imported fire ant The black imported fire ant ("Solenopsis richteri"), or simply BIFA, is a species of ant in the genus "Solenopsis" (fire ants). It was long thought to either be a subspecies or color variation of "Solenopsis invicta" (red imported fire ant; RIFA), but is now recognized as its own species with a demonstratively different range and living habits. BIFA seem to be more tolerant of cold and a less dominant species than RIFA. The species is native to South America, but has been introduced to North America. In the United States, the official assessment is that BIFA

neg: Red imported fire ant extinction. Overall, red imported fire ants prefer specific arthropods to others, although they attack and kill any invertebrate that cannot defend itself or escape. Arthropod biodiversity increases once red imported fire ant populations are either reduced or eradicated. Interactions between red imported fire ants and mammals have been rarely documented. However, deaths of live-trapped animals by red imported fire ants have been observed. Mortality rates in eastern cottontail ("Sylvilagus floridanus") young range from 33 to 75% because of red imported fire ants. It is believed that red imported fire ants have a strong impact on many herpetofauna species; scientists have

neg: Red imported fire ant genus "Gryllus" are unaffected. There are some cases where the diversity of certain insect and arthropod species increase in areas where red imported fire ants are present. Red imported fire ants are important predators on cave invertebrates, some of which are endangered species. This includes harvestmen, pseudoscorpions, spiders, ground beetles, and pselaphid beetles. The biggest concern is not the ant itself, but the bait used to treat them because this can prove fatal. Stock Island tree snails ("Orthalicus reses") are extinct in the wild; predation by red imported fire ants is believed to be the major factor in the snail's

neg: Red imported fire ant is still a dominant species and coexists with 28 ant species in gallery forest gaps and ten species in xerophytic forest grassland, winning most aggressive interactions with other ants. However, some ants can be co-dominant in areas where they coexist such as the Argentine ant, where they compete symmetrically. Workers regularly engage in food competition with other ants, and can suppress the exploitation of food resources from honeydew-producing hemipterans (specifically from "Phenacoccus solenopsis") from native ants; however, red imported fire ants are unable to eliminate "T. melanocephalum" completely although they consume a higher proportion of food. Instead, the two ants

neg: Red imported fire ant of red imported fire ants in the field, monogyne and polygyne workers discriminated between nestmates and foreigners as indicated by different behaviours ranging from tolerance to aggression. Monogyne ants always attacked foreign ants independently if they were from monogyne or polygyne colonies, whereas polygyne ants recognised, but did not attack, foreign polygyne ants, mainly by exhibiting postures similar to behaviours assumed after attacks by "Pseudacteon" phorids. Hostile versus warning behaviours were strongly dependent on the social structure of workers. Therefore, the behaviour toward foreign workers was a method of characterising monogyne and polygyne colonies. Most colonies in the southeastern and

neg: Alexander State Forest red imported fire ants. In addition, the native ant population could better compete against the red imported fire ants in plots where Amdro was used. A 2006 graduate thesis by Lee A. Womack also assessed the effects of red imported fire ants on the pine ecosystem at Alexander State Forest, as well as the effects of Amdro on the ant population and the ecosystem in general. Womack's study suggested that the ants had little effect on the pine ecosystem and that, in concordance with Landry's thesis, Amdro was effective at controlling the ant population without harming other members of the

neg: Red imported fire ant The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) reports the ant inhabiting from three of the Cayman Islands. However, the sources the ISSG cited give no report about them on the island, but recent collections indicate that they are present. In 2001, red imported fire ants were discovered in New Zealand, but they were successfully eradicated several years later. Red imported fire ants have been reported in India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. However, these reports were found to be incorrect as the ants collected there were incorrectly identified as the red imported fire ant. In Singapore, the ants were most likely

neg: Red imported fire ant to take refuge from saturated soil. Not only do they thrive in urban areas, red imported fire ants can damage equipment and infrastructure and impact business, land, and property values. They are also attracted to electricity; electrically stimulated workers release venom alkaloids, alarm pheromones, and recruitment pheromones, which in return attracts more workers to the site. As a result, red imported fire ants can destroy electrical equipment. This is known as magnetism, where scientists have identified internal magnetic materials which may play a role in orientation behaviours. They are known to chew through electrical insulation which causes damage to electric

neg: Red imported fire ant and the red imported fire ant most likely came from here when they first invaded the United States; in particular, populations of these ants have been found in the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Santiago del Estero, Santa Fe, and Tucumán. The northeastern regions of Argentina are the most credible guess where the invading ants originate. In Brazil, they are found in northern Mato Grosso and in Rondônia and in São Paulo state. The red imported fire ant and "S. saevissima" are parapatric in Brazil, with contact zones known in Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná state and São Paulo. In

neg: Red imported fire ants in the United States produce powerful semiochemicals, including defensive and recruitment pheromones. The chemical signals draw additional ants to the short. The only effective protection is to bar ants from the equipment physically or with insecticides. The FDA estimates more than US$5 billion is spent annually on medical treatment, damage, and control in RIFA-infested areas. Further, the ants cause approximately US$750 million in damage to agricultural assets, including veterinary bills and livestock loss, as well as crop loss. Red imported fire ants in the United States The red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta"), or simply RIFA, is one of over 280 species in the

neg: Red imported fire ant by natural enemies. Mealybugs are preyed on by the lady beetle ("Menochilus sexmaculatus") and are hosts of two parasites ("Aenasius bambawalei" and "Acerophagus coccois") if there are no ants present, but this is different if ants are present. Lady beetles are less frequently seen on plants with red imported fire ants, and the rate of "mummy" nymphs is significantly lower. This is clearly evident as scientists observed that cotton aphid ("Aphis gossypii") populations, and the predation of sentinel bollworm eggs, increased in areas with red imported fire ant presence. Red imported fire ants have developed a mutual relationship with another

neg: Red imported fire ant mortality rate of 100%, although this factor was lower for early-nesting birds. Brood survival decreases in American cliff swallows ("Petrochelidon pyrrhonota") if they are exposed to foraging workers. Songbird nest survival decreases in areas with red imported fire ants present, but survival rates in white-eyed vireo ("Vireo griseus") and black-capped vireo ("Vireo atricapilla") nests increase from 10% to 31% and 7% to 13% whenever fire ants are not present or when they are unable to attack them. Red imported fire ants may indirectly contribute to low brood survival in the Attwater's prairie chicken. It was first thought that the ants

neg: Red imported fire ant regulating tick populations and altering vector and host dynamics, thereby reducing transmission rates not only to animals, but to humans as well. Mortality rates have been well observed in birds; there have been instances where no young have survived to adulthood in areas with high fire ant density. Many birds including cliff nesting swallows, ducks, egrets, quail, and terns have been affected by red imported fire ants. Ground nesting birds, particularly the least tern ("Sterna antillarum"), are vulnerable to fire ant attacks. The impact of red imported fire ants on colonial breeding birds is especially severe; waterbirds can experience a

neg: Red imported fire ant mounds can be found on a single acre of land. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that they expand 193 km (120 mi) per year. Red imported fire ants were first discovered in Queensland, Australia, in 2001. The ants were believed to be present in shipping containers arriving at the Port of Brisbane, most likely from North America. Anecdotal evidence suggests fire ants may have been present in Australia for six to eight years prior to formal identification. The potential damage from the red imported fire ant prompted the Australian government to respond rapidly. A joint state and federal

neg: Red imported fire ant to successfully wipe out a monogyne colony of 160,000 workers, the colony would need 396,800 workers. A colony that has reduced in size due to successful bait treatment are prone to predation by Argentine ants. The ants may play a vital role in removing weakened fire ant colonies, and they may also be important in slowing the spread of these fire ants, especially in heavily infested Argentine ant areas. Despite this, Argentine ant populations in the southeastern United States have declined following the introduction of the red imported fire ant. Red imported fire ants have formed a relationship with an

neg: Red imported fire ant species. Although parasitism pressures by these flies do not affect the ants' population density and activity, it has a small effect on a colony population. The strepsipteran insect "Caenocholax fenyesi" is known to infect male ants of this species and attack the eggs, and the mite "Pyemotes tritici" has been considered a potential biological agent against red imported fire ants, capable of parasitising every caste within the colony. Bacteria, such as "Wolbachia", has been found in the red imported fire ant; three different variants of the bacteria are known to infect the red imported fire ant. However, its effect on

neg: Red imported fire ant reaching grass roots below the surface; these shafts and nodes connect the mound tunnels to the subterranean chambers. These chambers are about 5 cm (0.77 inch) and reach depths of . The mean number of ants in a single subterranean chamber is around 200. Red imported fire ants are among the worst invasive species in the world. Some scientists consider the red imported fire ant to be a "disturbance specialist"; human disturbance to the environment may be a major factor behind the ants' impact (fire ants tend to favour disturbed areas). This is shown through one experiment, demonstrating that mowing

neg: Red imported fire ant suppressed. Between "Tapinoma melanocephalum" and "Pheidole fervida", the red imported fire ant is stronger than both species but shows different levels of aggression. For example, they are less hostile towards "T. melanocephalum" in contrast to "P. fervida". Mortality rates in "T. melanocephalum" and "P. fervida" when fighting with red imported fire ants are high, being 31.8% and 49.9% respectively. The mortality rate for red imported fire ant workers, however, is only 0.2% to 12%. The imported crazy ant ("Nylanderia fulva") exhibits greater dominance than the red imported fire ant and has been known to displace them in habitats where they

neg: Red imported fire ant in the males drowning. The longevity of a raft can be as long as 12 days. Ants that are trapped underwater escape by lifting themselves to the surface using bubbles which are collected from submerged substrate. Owing to their greater vulnerability to predators, red imported fire ants are significantly more aggressive when rafting. Workers tend to deliver higher doses of venom, which reduces the threat of other animals attacking. Due to this, and because a higher workforce of ants is available, rafts are potentially dangerous to those that encounter them. Necrophoric behaviour occurs in the red imported fire ant. Workers

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom are known to actively kill vertebrate animals, and cause significant livestock losses. Animals may trigger major stinging episodes when they disturb active nests, with thousands of ants participating in the attack. During such episodes an animal may suffer from hundreds to thousands of individual stings. It is suspected that many victims of the red imported fire ants may be depressed as a result of the effects of the toxin. Some animals may swallow red imported fire ants as they lick or bite around the sites they are stinging. This can cause additional injuries inside the animal itself, especially in the

neg: Red imported fire ant dragonfly, including "Anax junius", "Pachydiplax longipennis", "Somatochlora provocans", and "Tramea carolina", capture the queens while they are in flight; 16 species of spiders, including the wolf spider "Lycosa timuga" and the southern black widow spider ("Latrodectus mactans"), actively kill red imported fire ants. "L. mactans" captures all castes of the species (the workers, queens, and males) within its web. These ants constitute 75% of prey captured by the spider. Juvenile "L. mactans" spiders have also been seen capturing the ants. Other invertebrates that prey on red imported fire ants are earwigs ("Labidura riparia") and tiger beetles ("Cicindella punctulata"). Birds that

neg: Red imported fire ant infected by "Metarhizium anisopliae" are usually discarded by workers at a higher rate; 47.5% of unaffected corpses are discarded within a day, but for affected corpses this figure is 73.8%. Red imported fire ants have negative impacts on seed germination. The extent of the damage, however, depends on how long seeds are vulnerable for (dry and germinating) and by the abundance of the ants. One study showed that while these ants are attracted to and remove seeds which have adapted for ant dispersal, red imported fire ants damage these seeds or move them in unfavourable locations for germination. In seeds

neg: Red imported fire ant the funiculus in workers and queens, and the second and third segments of the funiculus are twice as long and broad in larger workers. Polymorphism occurs in all species and the mandibles bear four teeth. The following cladogram shows the position of the red imported fire ant among other members of the "S. saevissima" species-group: Phenotypic and genetic data suggest that the red imported fire ant and the black imported fire ant ("Solenopsis richteri") differ from each other, but they do share a close genetic relationship. Hybridisation between the two ants occurs in areas where they make contact, with the

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom upper gastrointestinal tract. In suckling white tail deer fawns, sting sites have been found in the oesophagus and abomasum; toxins from the ingested ants may cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining. Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom The toxicology of fire ant venom is relatively well studied. The venom plays a central role in the biology of Red imported fire ants, such as in capturing prey, and in defending itself from competitors, assailants, and diseases. Some 14 million people are stung annually in the United States, suffering reactions that vary from mild discomfort, to pustule formation, swelling, and in

neg: Red imported fire ant they have spread into several provinces as well as Macau and Taiwan. No geographic or climatic barriers prevent these ants from spreading further, thus it may spread throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. In Europe, a single nest was found in the Netherlands in 2002. Around 1980, red imported fire ants began spreading throughout the West Indies, where they were first reported in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Between 1991 and 2001, the ant was recorded from Trinidad and Tobago, several areas in the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

neg: Red imported fire ant invasive mealybug, "Phenacoccus solenopsis". Colony growth is known to increase if ants have access to resources produced by "P. solenopsis", and the population density of these mealybugs is significantly higher in areas where red imported fire ants are present (the spread of "P. solenopsis" in areas it is not native is attributed to the presence of the ants). As well as that, the life expectancy and reproductive rate of "P. solenopsis" both increase. These mealybugs may even be transported by workers back to their nest. Predation of "P. solenopsis" decreases due to tending workers interfering with the predation and parasitism

neg: Red imported fire ants in the United States resulted in failure to control colony growth. Scientists then discovered that an adaptation in RIFAs had resulted in many populations having multiple queens in mounds over a large area. In areas where "Solenopsis invicta" (red imported fire ants) founded colonies, larger colonies of "Tetramorium caespitum" (pavement ants) have destroyed them, leading entomologists to conclude that this conflict between the two species would decelerate the northward spread of "Solenopsis invicta". The RIFA's introduction to the United States was in the late 1930s. Traveling in soil used as ballast on cargo ships, they came in through the seaport of Mobile, Alabama. They

neg: Red imported fire ant sugarcane borers ("Diatraea saccharalis") in sugarcane fields, horn flies ("Haematobia irritans") in manure, velvetbean caterpillars ("Anticarsia gemmatalis") in soybeans, and whiteflies that are found in greenhouses. A number of studies indicate that red imported fire ants do not interfere or attack insects of economic importance in cotton fields, which has resulted in many farmers in the southeastern regions of the United States viewing red imported fire ants as beneficial. However, some scientists have suggested that the beneficial status of the red imported fire ant is hard to predict when geography, plant size, season, soil moisture and the use of insecticides

neg: Red imported fire ant encounter each other in. Larger colonies of pavement ants ("Tetramorium caespitum)" can destroy red imported fire ant colonies, leading entomologists to conclude that this conflict between the two species may help impede the spread of the red imported fire ant. Individuals infected by SINV-1 can be killed faster than healthy individuals by "Monomorium chinense". This means that ants infected with SINV-1 are weaker than their healthy counterparts and more than likely will be eliminated by "M. chinense". However, major workers, whether they are infected or not, are rarely killed. In areas it is native to, the red imported fire ant

neg: Red imported fire ant of these ants exploded by the 1950s. Since its introduction to the United States, the red imported fire ant has spread throughout the southern states and northeastern Mexico, negatively affecting wildlife and causing economic damage. The expansion of red imported fire ants may be limited since they are almost wiped out during Tennessee winters, thus they may be reaching their northernmost range. However, global warming may allow the red imported fire ant to expand its geographical range. As of 2004, the ant is found in 13 states and occupies over 128 million hectares of land, and as many as 400

neg: Red imported fire ant the United States. Despite its spread, "S. geminata" has a greater geographical range than the red imported fire ant, but it can be easily displaced by it. Because of this, almost all of its exotic range in North America has been lost and the ant has almost disappeared there. On roadsides in Florida, 83% of these sites had "S. geminata" present when the red imported fire ant was absent, but only 7% when it is present. This means that the ant can probably invade many tropical and subtropical regions where "S. geminata" populations are present. Red imported fire ants are

neg: Red imported fire ant misidentified as well. In India, surveyed ants in Sattur Taluk, India listed the red imported fire ant there in high populations; meanwhile, no reports of the ant were made outside the surveyed area. In 2016, scientists state that despite no presence of the ant in India, the red imported fire ant will more than likely find suitable habitats within India's ecosystem if given the opportunity. The reports in the Philippines most likely misidentified collected material as the red imported fire ant, as no populations have been found there. It was discovered in Hong Kong and mainland China in 2004, where

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom vesicopustule with a red halo developing within 24 to 48 hours. The eyes and eyelids are commonly damaged from the stings; in sheep and goats, ophthalmic ointment containing antibiotics and corticosteroids can be used to treat the eyes of sheep and goats, but this treatment is not recommended for horses. In non-domestic animals, cases of red imported fire ants stings in animals such as ferrets, moles squirrels, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, and newborn blackbucks have been reported, as well as lizards and screech owl nestlings. The aftermath of the injuries is like those in domestic animals. Red imported fire ants

neg: Red imported fire ant a matter of weeks if baits are used on them. Baits are considered to be effective and simple to use against red imported fire ants, in comparison to drenching, dusting, or fumigating. They are sprinkled onto the mound then the ants take and consume them. Certain baits such as growth regulator baits, and boric acid-sucrose water baits, benefit native fauna and low concentrations are usually required to kill a colony. Others baits used against red imported fire ants include Amdro, Ascend, hydramethylnon, and Maxforce. Researchers have also been experimenting with other methods, such as fumigation, injecting the mound, mound drenching,

neg: Red imported fire ant 1" (SINV-1), has been found in about 20% of fire ant fields, where it appears to cause the slow death of infected colonies. It has proven to be self-sustaining and transmissible. Once introduced, it can eliminate a colony within three months. Researchers believe the virus has potential as a viable biopesticide to control fire ants. Two more viruses have also been discovered: "S. invicta" 2 (SINV-2) and "S. invicta" 3 (SINV-3). Polygynous colonies tend to face greater infections in contrast to monogynous colonies. Multiple virus infections can also occur. Nuptial flight in red imported fire ants begins during the warmer

neg: Ant their role as biological pest control agents. Their ability to exploit resources may bring ants into conflict with humans, however, as they can damage crops and invade buildings. Some species, such as the red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta"), are regarded as invasive species, establishing themselves in areas where they have been introduced accidentally. The word "ant" and its chiefly dialectal form "emmet" come from ', ' of Middle English, which come from ' of Old English, and these are all related to the dialectal Dutch ' and the Old High German ', from which comes the modern German '.

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom in Texas. People can be educated and be made aware of the dangers of red imported fire ants. Reactions seen in humans vary; some are hypersensitive to venom while others show resilience. Hypersensitivity can be attributed to certain medical problems such as heart conditions or diabetes. Bacterial infections attributed to sting injuries also pose a problem and may require further medical attention. Most humans can withstand many stings, but others may suffer from severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. People who are stung by red imported fire ants may experience intense local burning or flare-ups, followed by reddening of the skin

neg: Red imported fire ant eat these ants include the chimney swift ("Chaetura pelagica"), the eastern kingbird ("Tyrannus tyrannus"), and the eastern bobwhite ("Colinus virginianus virginianus"). The eastern bobwhite attacks these ants by digging out the mounds looking for young queens. Red imported fire ants have been found in stomach contents inside of armadillos. Many species of ants have been observed attacking queens and killing them. Predatory ants include: "Ectatomma edentatum", "Ephebomyrmex" spp., "Lasius neoniger", "Pheidole" spp., "Pogonomyrmex badius," and "Conomyrma insana", which is among the most significant. "C. insana" ants are known to be effective predators against founding queens in studied areas of Northern

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom trails to communicate with other nestmates. In the United States, more than 40 million people live in areas infested with fire ant populations and 14 million people are stung by them annually. A quarter of all victims stung by red imported fire ants are expected to develop sensitivity to the venom, and approximately 6,000 will suffer anaphylaxis. 51% of people who relocated themselves to infested areas report getting stung within three weeks after arrival. In a survey conducted in South Carolina, 33,000 people (or 94 per 10,000 population) received medical attention due to red imported fire ants, and 660 people

neg: Red imported fire ant may peacefully coexist and share the honeydew. When encountering neighboring fire ants, workers may take on death-feigning behaviours to avoid them with success. However, such behaviour is only seen in young workers, as older workers either flee or fight back when threatened. As mentioned, red imported fire ants and Argentine ants compete with each other. Mortality rates vary in different scenarios (i.e. mortality rates in colony confrontation is lower than those confronting each other in the field). Major workers can also withstand more injuries to their bodies, thus increasing the mortality rate of Argentine ants. For an Argentine ant colony

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia Program, it is still considered technically feasible to eradicate red fire ants from south-east Queensland. Fire ants are a serious problem because they can cause major environmental, social and economic damage. Fire ants have the potential to invade most of the coastal areas of Australia, and large areas of Australia’s tropical north, including world heritage areas and national parks. Fire ants are very aggressive and feed voraciously on ground dwelling animals, such as insects, frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. As a result, they could displace or eliminate some of Australia’s native animals, including endangered birds such as the southern cassowary

neg: Red imported fire ant aggressive and attack intruders from neighbouring nests. In queenless colonies, the addition of alien queens or workers does not increase aggression among the population. Red imported fire ants are omnivores, and foragers are considered to be scavengers rather than predators. The ants' diet consists of dead mammals, arthropods, insects, earthworms, vertebrates, and solid food matter such as seeds. However, this species prefers liquid over solid food. The liquid food the ants collect is sweet substances from plants or honeydew-producing hemipterans. Arthropod prey may include dipteran adults, larvae and pupae, and termites. The consumption of sugar amino acid is known to

neg: Red imported fire ant were linked to the decline of overwintering birds such as the loggerhead shrike ("Lanius ludovicianus"), but a later study showed that ant eradication efforts using the pesticide Mirex, which was known to have toxic side effects, was largely to blame. Red imported fire ants are strong competitors with many ant species. They have managed to displace many native ants which has led to a number of ecological consequences. However, studies show that these ants are not always superior competitors that suppress native ants. Habitat disturbance prior to their arrival, and recruitment limitations, are more plausible reasons why native ants are

neg: Red imported fire ant are not considered. These factors may lower the efficacy of red imported fire ants as pest control agents. Another factor is that workers are indiscriminate and kill beneficial insects such as predators that eat horn flies and other pests in pastures and predators of aphids and scale insects. They also reduce the efficacy of parasitic wasps against pest species by eating the larvae and pupae. In comparison to other ant species like "Anoplolepis gracilipes", which rapidly take over areas they have been contained in, red imported fire ants are fairly easy to control. The first proposals to controlling the ant

neg: Red imported fire ant in damages for livestock, wildlife and public health. Approximately $36 per American household, and more than $250 million has been spent to control and eradicate red imported fire ants. Private agencies spend $25 to $40 million on pesticides annually. Unsuccessful eradication in Australia may cost the economy billions in damages annually and, based on a Queensland government study, the estimated cost could reach $43 billion over 30 years. Red imported fire ants thrive in urban areas, especially in backyards, golf courses, parks, recreational areas, school grounds, and street verges, in which their presence may deter outdoor activities. If they enter

neg: Red imported fire ant Some victims may develop a more serious allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. The venom is mainly composed of insoluble alkaloids with a minor watery phase containing some 46 proteins of which four are reported as allergens. Because of their notoriety and invasive behaviour, red imported fire ants are considered pests. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration estimates more than $5 billion is spent annually on medical treatment, damage, and control in infested areas. They can also cause $2.5 billion in damages annually in just 20 years. In Texas alone, red imported fire ants caused $300 million

neg: Red imported fire ant noted population declines in the Florida kingsnake ("Lampropeltis getula floridana"), and eggs and adults of the eastern fence lizard ("Sceloporus undulatus") and six-lined racerunner ("Aspidoscelis sexlineata") are a source of food. Because of this, eastern fence lizards have adapted to have longer legs and new behaviours to escape the red imported fire ant. Adult three-toed box turtles ("Terrapene carolina triunguis"), Houston toad ("Anaxyrus houstonensis") juveniles, and American alligator ("Alligator mississippiensis") hatchlings are also attacked and killed by these ants. Despite this mostly-negative association, one study shows that red imported fire ants may be capable of impacting vector-borne disease transmissions by

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom (1.9 per 10 000 population) were treated for anaphylaxis. In Texas, 79% of participants in a survey stated they had been stung by red imported fire ants, while 20% had not. 61% of West Texans state they had been stung by the ants before, compared to 90% in central Texas, 89% in east Texas, 86% in the gulf coastal regions, 78% in the south and 72% in the north. In separate survey, 87% of individuals classed their reactions as mild, 12% as moderate and 1% as severe. In Australia, 64,000 homes are within red imported fire ant infested areas, and

neg: Red imported fire ant exploiting greater territories by means of cooperative recruitment and interconnected mounds. When polygyne forms invade areas where colonies have not yet been established, the diversity of native arthropods and vertebrates declines greatly. This is evident as populations of isopods, mites and tumblebug scarabs decline significantly. They can also significantly alter the populations of many fly and beetle families, including: Calliphoridae, Histeridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Silphidae, and Staphylinidae. Despite this, one review found that certain insects may be unaffected by red imported fire ants; for example, the density of isopods decreases in red imported fire ant infested areas, but crickets of the

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia responsible for up to 3,000 anaphylactic reactions in Australia each year if they spread. There is also a risk of secondary infection if the blisters or pustules that result from the stings are broken. Fire ants could also seriously disrupt Australia’s outdoor lifestyle, as has been the case in the USA where fire ants have been responsible for 85 deaths. Everyday activities, such as barbecues, picnics and sporting events may no longer be possible in highly infested areas. Pets and domestic animals can also be stung and injured, and may have allergic reactions or be blinded by exposure to venom.

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia Modelling by the Queensland government shows that fire ants have the potential to cost the state an estimated $45 billion Australian dollars in south-east Queensland alone. Costs include impacts on agriculture, machinery and infrastructure. According to the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, fire ants kill farm animals and crops, with newborn animals being particularly vulnerable. Fire ants sting in and around the eyes, mouth and nose which can cause blindness, swelling and suffocation. Fire ants also invade the food and water supplies of animals and deter them from feeding and drinking, leading to starvation and dehydration. Fire ants also

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom The toxicology of fire ant venom is relatively well studied. The venom plays a central role in the biology of Red imported fire ants, such as in capturing prey, and in defending itself from competitors, assailants, and diseases. Some 14 million people are stung annually in the United States, suffering reactions that vary from mild discomfort, to pustule formation, swelling, and in rare cases, systemic reactions followed by anaphylactic shock. Fire ant venoms are mainly composed (>95%) of a complex mixture of insoluble alkaloids added to a watery solution of toxic proteins. For

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia head and body with a darker abdomen. The worker ants are blackish to reddish and vary in size from 2-6 mm. There have been seven separate incursions of fire ants in Australia - six in Queensland and one in New South Wales (NSW). In Queensland, the first two incursions were discovered in 2001 - one in suburban Brisbane and the other at the Port of Brisbane. The pathway of entry is unknown but the ant was probably accidentally introduced in a shipping container from southern USA, where the ant is well established. The third and fourth incursions were in Yarwun,

neg: Red imported fire ants in the United States are apparently attracted to electrical equipment, and crawl into air conditioning units and the electrical wiring of stop lights, shorting them out. This is the leading cause of traffic light shorts in Texas, where the ants cause more than US$140 million in damage each year. Several ant species, including fire ants, have been shown to contain ferromagnetic nanoparticles that may contribute information about the geomagnetic field for orientation during foraging or migration. However, it has not been found that electric or magnetic fields attract the ants. Rather, when wandering ants cause electrical shorts, they attempt to sting the wire and

neg: Red imported fire ant Since then, red imported fire ants have been recorded on more islands and regions, with new populations discovered in: Anguilla, Saint Martin, Barbuda, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Aruba, and Jamaica. The ants recorded from Aruba and Jamaica have only been found on golf courses; these courses import sod from Florida, so such importation may be an important way for the ant to spread throughout the West Indies. Populations found outside North America originate from the United States. In 2011, the DNA of specimens from Australia, China, and Taiwan was analysed with results showing that they are related to those in

neg: Red imported fire ant is used. Some scientists have considered using the ants' natural enemies against it; this includes "Kneallhazia solenopsae" and "B. bassiana". Phorid flies have also been viewed as potential biological agents, as they can reduce foraging activity in red imported fire ants and affect population levels. However, they are unable to affect colony growth rate. In addition, parasitic ants, parasitic wasps, mites, other pathogens, nematodes, and fungi have been considered to be potential biological agents. Others suggest that populations can be maintained or reduced by manipulating several ecological factors. Several baits have been used to control populations. Mounds are destroyed in

neg: Red imported fire ant segregate brood by their age and caste, which is followed by licking, grooming and antennation. If a colony is under attack, workers will release alarm pheromones. However, these pheromones are poorly developed in workers. Workers can detect pyrazines which are produced by the alates; these pyrazines may be involved in nuptial flight, as well as an alarm response. Red imported fire ants can distinguish nestmates and non-nestmates through chemical communication and specific colony odours. Workers prefer to dig into nest materials from their own colony and not from soil in unnested areas or from other red imported fire ant colonies.

neg: Red imported fire ant and plowing in studied areas diminished the diversity and abundance of native ant species, whereas red imported fire ants found on undisturbed forest plots had only diminished a couple of species. In the United States, the red imported fire ant first arrived in the seaport of Mobile, Alabama, by cargo ship between 1933 and 1945. Arriving with an estimated 9 to 20 unrelated queens, the red imported fire ant was only rare at the time, as entomologists were unable to collect any specimens (with the earliest observations first made in 1942, preceded by a population expansion in 1937); the population

neg: Red imported fire ant Australia, New Zealand, several Asian and Caribbean countries, and the United States. The red imported fire ant is polymorphic as workers appear in different shapes and sizes. The ant's colours are red and somewhat yellowish with a brown or black gaster. However, males are completely black. Red imported fire ants are dominant in altered areas and live in a wide variety of habitats. They can be found in rain forests, in disturbed areas, deserts, grasslands, alongside roads and buildings, and in electrical equipment. Colonies form large mounds constructed from dirt with no visible entrances because foraging tunnels are built and

neg: Red imported fire ant to its highly variable environment, which can cause increased desiccation, hypoxia, and hypercapnia. Hot, humid climates cause an increase in heart rate and respiration which increases energy and water loss. Hypoxia and hypercapnia can result from red imported fire ant colonies living in poorly ventilated thermoregulatory mounds and underground nests. Discontinuous gas exchange (DGE) may allow ants to survive the hypercapnic and hypoxic conditions frequently found in their burrows; it is ideal for adapting to these conditions because it allows the ants to increase the period of O intake and CO expulsion independently through spiracle manipulation. The invasion success of

neg: Eastern fence lizard ant, which can kill the lizard in under a minute. Red imported fire ants threaten eastern fence lizards because they occupy their microhabitats causing mortality or relocation. Moreover, according to a study published in 2016, artificial eastern fence lizard nests were shown to be vulnerable to predation by red imported fire ants, resulting in nonviability of the eggs. Eastern fence lizards mate in spring, and lay 3 to 16 eggs in late spring or early summer. The young hatch in summer and fall. Male fence lizards often do "push-ups" to attract mates and to warn other males encroaching on their

neg: Red imported fire ant morphological differences in mouthparts. Fourth-instar larvae of males and queens can be differentiated based on their relative shape and body coloration , and also internal gonopodal imaginal discs can differ. The red imported fire ant is polymorphic with two different castes of workers: minor workers and major workers (soldiers). Like many ants that exhibit polymorphism, young, smaller ants do not forage and tend to the brood, instead, while the larger workers go out and forage. In incipient colonies, polymorphism does not exist, but instead they are occupied by monomorphic workers called "minims" or "nanitics". The average head-width in tested colonies

neg: Red imported fire ant The ant is viewed as a notorious pest, causing billions of dollars in damages annually and impacting wildlife. The ants thrive in urban areas, so their presence may deter outdoor activities. Nests can be built under structures such as pavements and foundations, which may cause structural problems, or cause them to collapse. Not only can they damage or destroy structures, but red imported fire ants can also damage equipment and infrastructure and impact business, land, and property values. As workers are attracted to electricity, they can swarm electrical equipment and destroy it. In agriculture, they can damage crops, damage machinery,

neg: Red imported fire ant motors, irrigation lines, pumps, signal boxes, transformers, telephone exchanges, and other equipment. Colonies aggregate near electrical fields and are capable of causing short circuits or interfering with switches and equipment such as air conditioners, computers, and water pumps. They are also known to infest airport landing areas and traffic lights. The red imported fire ant is a significant agricultural pest in areas where it is not native. They are capable of damaging crops, and they threaten pastures and orchards. The mounds themselves can destroy agricultural equipment such as irrigation systems and damage machinery during harvest time. The ants are known

neg: Red imported fire ant been observed frequently around the floodplains of the Paraguay River. In areas where water is present, they are commonly found around: irrigation channels, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams, riverbanks, and mangrove swamps. Nests are found in agricultural areas, coastlands, wetlands, coastal dune remnants, deserts, forests, grasslands, natural forests, oak woodland, mesic forest, leaf-litter, beach margins, shrublands, alongside rail and roads, and in urban areas. In particular, they are found in cultivated land, managed forests and plantations, disturbed areas, intensive livestock production systems, and greenhouses. Red imported fire ants have been found to invade buildings, including medical facilities. In urban areas,

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom reported large local reactions. Between 17% to 56% of people stung develop venom-specific IgE. Many of them will experience pruritic lumps around areas where the ants stung, known as late-phase responses or cutaneous allergic reactions. Pustule formation can only be prevented if the ants are removed before they have a chance to sting. Once venom has been injected, pustules will form and no form of treatment will prevent them from occurring. Medications such as antibiotics, diphenylhydrazines, epinephrines or topical steroids will not affect pustular reactions. Anaphylaxis occurs in 0.6 to 6% of people who have been stung by the ants,

neg: Red imported fire ant the ant is unknown. "Solenopsis daguerrei" is a reproductive parasite to red imported fire ant colonies. A large variety of pathogens and nematodes also infect red imported fire ants. Pathogens include "Myrmecomyces annellisae", "Mattesia" spp., "Steinernema" spp., a mermithid nematode, "Vairimorpha invictae", which can be transmitted via live larvae and pupae and dead adults and "Tetradonema solenopsis", which can be fatal to a large portion of a colony. Individuals infected by "Metarhizium anisopliae" tend to perform trophallaxis more frequently and have an enhanced preference to quinine, an alkaloid substance. Phorid flies with "Kneallhazia solenopsae" can serve as vectors in transmitting

neg: Red imported fire ant given to colonies, 80% of "Sanguinaria canadensi" seeds were scarified and 86% of "Viola rotundifolia" seeds were destroyed. Small percentages of longleaf pine ("Pinus palustris") seeds deposited by workers successfully germinate, thus providing evidence that red imported fire ants help the movement of seeds in the longleaf pine ecosystem. Elaiosome-bearing seeds are collected at a higher rate in contrast to nonelaiosome-bearing seeds and do not store them in their nests, but rather in surface trash piles in the mound vicinity. A social chromosome is present in the red imported fire ant. This chromosome can differentiate the social organisation of a

neg: Red imported fire ant Like other insects, the red imported fire ant breathes through a system of gas-filled tubes called tracheae connected to the external environment through spiracles. The terminal tracheal branches (tracheoles) make direct contact with internal organs and tissue. The transport of oxygen to cells (and carbon dioxide out of cells) occurs through diffusion of gases between the tracheoles and the surrounding tissue and is assisted by a discontinuous gas exchange. As with other insects, the direct communication between the tracheal system and tissues eliminates the need for a circulating fluid network to transport O. Thus, red imported fire ants and other

neg: Red imported fire ant DNA variation occurs substantially in polygyne societies (nests with multiple queens), but no variation is detected in monogyne societies (nests with a single queen). Triploidy (a chromosomal abnormality) occurs in red imported fire ants at high rates (as high as 12% in non-reproductive females), which is linked to the high frequency of diploid males. The red imported fire ant is the first species shown to possess a green-beard gene, by which natural selection can favour altruistic behaviour. Workers containing this gene are able to distinguish between queens containing it, and those that do not, apparently by using odour cues. The

neg: Red imported fire ant better to give precedence to "S. invicta" over "S. wagneri" whenever an author treated them as conspecific. The ICZN would conserve "S. invicta" and suppress "S. wagneri" in a 2001 review. Under the present classification, the red imported fire ant is a member of the genus "Solenopsis" in the tribe Solenopsidini, subfamily Myrmicinae. It is a member of the family Formicidae, belonging to the order Hymenoptera, an order of insects containing ants, bees, and wasps. The red imported fire ant is a member of the "S. saevissima" species-group. Members can be distinguished by their two-jointed clubs at the end of

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia state and territory governments have already spent more than $329 million in total attempting to eradicate the ants. In the USA, fire ants have cost the economy an estimated $7 billion American dollars. The Australian government responded rapidly to the detection of fire ants in Brisbane in 2001, with the injection of significant initial funds. However, more recent incursions show that the fire ant continues to breach Australia’s borders, despite a reportedly strong quarantine focus. Furthermore, significant lags between arrival and detection have been noted. For example, it is probable that the 2014 incursion was not detected for two to

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia and Gouldian finch, and threatened turtles such as the hawksbill turtle and the green turtle. Fire ants are also a threat to native plants because they eat and damage seeds and seedlings, as well as some of the insects and animals that pollinate native plants. These impacts can cause major disruptions to ecosystems over time. Fire ants are a serious threat to human health because of their sting which causes a painful, burning sensation. They swarm to attack and sting repeatedly. Stings may be lethal if a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs and experts predict that fire ants could be

neg: Red imported fire ant to invade soybean crops causing lower yields, and could cause $156 million in losses for soybean crops in the southeastern United States. Reports from Georgia and North Carolina claim that 16.8 to 49.1 kg/ha of soybeans could not be harvested due to interference from fire ant mounds; combine harvesters skipped over the mounds preventing the crops from being harvested, and farmers raised the cutter bars on their combine harvesters to avoid impacting the mounds. The feeding behaviour of red imported fire ants can result in significant damage to many other crops, including: beans, cabbage, citrus, corn, cucumber, eggplant, okra, peanut,

neg: Red imported fire ant mealybug ("Dysmicoccus morrisoni"). The ants promote the colony growth of "D. morrisoni" through protection, covering the colonies up with debris and collecting the honeydew they secrete. The toxicology of red imported fire ant venom has been relatively well studied. The venom is important to the ant, enabling it to capture its prey and to defend itself. Some 14 million people are stung annually in the United States , who may suffer reactions ranging from mild eczema to anaphylactic shock. Most common reactions to fire ant stings are a burning sensation at the sting site, followed by urticaria and pustule formation.

neg: Ants of medical importance Ants of medical importance Most ants are capable of biting, stinging, and spraying irritant chemicals. However, only relatively few species can harm humans; among which some can cause significant injury or, in rare cases, death. Like wasps, individual ants are capable of stinging multiple times as they do not lose their stingers. The fire ants are a group of 20 species of New World ants which are reputed after their aggressiveness and painful stings. Four species are considered of relevant medical importance: "Solenopsis invicta", "Solenopsis richteri", "Solenopsis geminata", and "Solenopsis saevissima". The Red Imported Fire Ant "S. invicta" is the

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom pustules appear in crops as a result of the ant sting. After getting stung, the immediate response consists of erythema and swelling. The pustules remain for approximately 24 hours, whereas in humans they can last for several days. In livestock, red imported ants mostly sting animals in regions with no hair, particularly around the ears, eyes, muzzle, the perineum and ventral portion of the abdomen. Newborn or young livestock can be blinded or killed when attacked by the ants. Healthy individuals are less likely to be attacked than weak or sick animals. Red papule and mild swelling occur, followed by

neg: Red imported fire ants in the United States build mounds, usually no larger than in diameter and in height, although in Alabama some mounds have been reported to be over high and larger, especially in fields where cattle graze. They build on soil close to homes and other buildings, and sometimes forage indoors for food and moisture. They are a nuisance, and can threaten sleeping or bedridden individuals and pets. Occasionally, they feed on vegetable plants in home gardens. The worst damage usually occurs during hot, dry weather, when they invade flower beds while seeking warmth and moisture. If disturbed, fire ants bite and sting the intruder. They

neg: Red imported fire ant workers emerge far away from the nest. These ants exhibit a wide variety of behaviours, such as building rafts when they sense that water levels are rising. They also show necrophoric behaviour, where nestmates discard scraps or dead ants on refuse piles outside the nest. Foraging takes place on warm or hot days, although they may remain outside at night. Workers communicate by a series of semiochemicals and pheromones which are used for recruitment, foraging, and defence. They are omnivores and eat dead mammals, arthropods, insects, seeds, and sweet substances such as honeydew from hemipteran insects with whom they have

neg: Dorymyrmex bureni Dorymyrmex bureni Dorymyrmex bureni also known as "pyramid ant" is a species of ant in the genus "Dorymyrmex". Described by Trager in 1988, the species is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Pyramid ants are medium-sized ants, ranging from 2–4 mm. They are light orange in color and fast moving. Unlike other ants in the area like red imported fire ants ("Solenopsis invicta"), this species is not aggressive towards humans. The workers have a foul smelling coconut odor when crushed. "Dorymyrmex bureni" hunt living insects, even other winged ants. They also search for sap-sucking insects from which they collect

neg: Mirex Mirex Mirex is an organochloride that was commercialized as an insecticide and later banned because of its impact on the environment. This white crystalline odorless solid is a derivative of cyclopentadiene. It was popularized to control fire ants but by virtue of its chemical robustness and lipophilicity it was recognized as a bioaccumulative pollutant. The spread of the red imported fire ant was encouraged by the use of Mirex, which also kills native ants that are highly competitive with the fire ants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency prohibited its use in 1976. It is prohibited by the Stockholm Convention

neg: Rasberry crazy ant Uniquely, the tawny ant also uses formic acid as an antidote against the venom of the fire ant. Tawny crazy ants were found to displace other ant species in their native Argentina and later the US, including the red imported fire ant. This was first thought to be due to exploitative and interference competition. In March 2014, researchers concluded that formic acid helped tawny crazy ants survive fire ant venom in ant fights 98% of the time; when the gland ducts were blocked with nail polish in an experiment, crazy ants had only a 48% chance of surviving fights with

neg: Red imported fire ant south-central US tend to be monogynous. The monogynous red imported fire ant colony territorial area and the mound size are positively correlated, which, in turn, is regulated by the colony size (number and biomass of workers), distance from neighbouring colonies, prey density, and by the colony's collective competitive ability. In contrast, nestmate discrimination among polygynous colonies is more relaxed as workers tolerate conspecific ants alien to the colony, accept other heterozygote queens, and do not aggressively protect their territory from polygyne conspecifics. These colonies might increase their reproductive output as a result of having many queens and the possibility of

neg: Red imported fire ant discard uneaten food and other such wastes away from the nest. The active component was not identified, but the fatty acids accumulating as a result of decomposition were implicated and bits of paper coated with synthetic oleic acid typically elicited a necrophoric response. The process behind this behaviour in imported red fire ants was confirmed by Blum (1970): unsaturated fats, such as oleic acid, elicit corpse-removal behaviour. Workers also show differentiated responses towards dead workers and pupae. Dead workers are usually taken away from the nest, whereas the pupae may take a day for a necrophoric response to occur. Pupae

neg: Red imported fire ant funding of A$175 million was granted for a six-year eradication programme. Following years of eradication, eradication rates of greater than 99% from previously infested properties were reported. The program received extended Commonwealth funding of around A$10 million for at least another two years to treat the residual infestations found most recently. In December 2014, a nest was identified at Port Botany, Sydney, in New South Wales. The port was quarantined, and a removal operation took place. In September 2015, populations originating from the United States were found at a Brisbane airport. Red imported fire ants have spread beyond North America.

neg: Red imported fire ant colonies dwell in open areas, especially if the area is sunny. This includes: urban gardens, picnic areas, lawns, playgrounds, schoolyards, parks, and golf courses. In some areas, there are on average 200 mounds per acre. During winter, colonies move under pavements or into buildings, and newly mated queens move into pastures. Red imported fire ants are mostly found at altitudes between above sea level. Mounds range from small to large, measuring in height and in diameter with no visible entrances. Workers are only able to access their nests by a series of subterranean tunnels that protrude from the central region.

neg: Red imported fire ant hybrid zone located in Mississippi. Such hybridisation has resulted from secondary contact between these two ants several decades ago, when they first encountered each other in southern Alabama. Based on mitochondrial DNA, examined haplotypes do not form a monophyletic clade. Some of the examined haplotypes form a closer relationship to "S. megergates", "S. quinquecuspis" and "S. richteri" than they do with other "S. invicta" haplotypes. The occurrence of a possible paraphyletic grouping suggests that the red imported fire ant and "S. quinquecuspis" are possible cryptic species groups composed of several species that cannot be distinguished morphologically. Studies show that mitochondrial

neg: Toxicology of red imported fire ant venom the Red imported fire ant "Solenopsis invicta" Buren there are currently 46 described proteins, of which four are well-characterised as potent allergens. Venom plays an important role in the biology of fire ants, being used to capture prey items, nest defense, and antimicrobial action. On average, however, a worker stores very little venom (only about 0.5 µg at any given time). Newborn workers contain little to no venom within their reservoirs, but workers that are only one-day old can produce 1.17 µg/day. However, workers that are 15 days old only produce 0.3 µg/day. Workers deliver 0.66 nl of venom when

neg: Red imported fire ant the disease to the ants. Weakening the colony, infections from this disease are localised within the body fat, with spores only occurring in adult individuals. The mortality of an infected colony tends to be greater in contrast to those that are healthy. These ants are a host to "Conidiobolus", "Myrmicinosporidium durum," and "Beauveria bassiana", each of which are parasitic fungi. Infected individuals have spores all over their bodies and appear darker than usual. The toxicity from antimicrobial property of volatiles produced by the ants can significantly reduce the germination rate of "B. bassiana" within the colony. A virus, "S. invicta

neg: Red imported fire ant occurred in 1957 when the United States Congress authorised an eradication program using federal and state funding. Research on the ant and its biology has been continuous after the establishment of an eradication program, and many chemicals were used to eliminate them. However, scientists discovered that these insecticides were killing native fauna, and the Environmental Protection Agency subsequently outlawed them. Some scientists even questioned whether the ants were pests or not. Today, it is unlikely that the red imported fire ant will be eradicated in areas such as the United States. Populations can be managed properly if an integrated approach

neg: Red imported fire ant potato, sorghum, sunflower, and sweet potato. The ants also interfere with plants' root systems and feed on young growth. Sometimes, colonies build mounds around or near the base of citrus trees chew off new growth and feed on the flowers or developing fruit. Citrus trees are often girdled or killed. Despite its pest status and notoriety, the red imported fire ant can be beneficial. The ant is an effective insect predator, so it may serve as a biological agent against other pest species, especially in sugarcane fields. Pest insects the ant kills include: boll weevils ("Anthonomus grandis") in cotton crops,

neg: Red imported fire ant through starvation, food is still distributed among the workers and larvae. One study shows that honey and soybean oil were fed to the larvae after 12 to 24 hours of being retained by the workers. The ratio distribution of these food sources was 40% towards the larvae and 60% towards the worker for honey, and for soybean oil this figure was around 30 and 70%, respectively. Red imported fire ants also stockpile specific food sources such as insect pieces rather than consuming them immediately. These pieces are usually transported below the mound surface and in the driest and warmest locations.

neg: Red imported fire ant of Brazil. However, the interior of this area has not been examined thoroughly, but it is certain that the species occurs in favourable locations around it. The Pantanal region is thought to be the original homeland of the red imported fire ant; hydrochore dispersal via floating ant rafts could easily account for the far south populations around the Paraguay and Guaporé Rivers. The western extent of its range is not known exactly, but its abundance there may be limited. It may be extensive in easternmost Bolivia, owing to the presence of the Pantanal region. These ants are native to Argentina,

neg: Red imported fire ants in Australia Central Queensland in 2006 and 2013. The fifth incursion to Queensland was found at Brisbane Airport in 2015, and the sixth at Port of Brisbane in 2016. The NSW incursion was discovered in 2014 in Port Botany. According to the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Port of Brisbane, Yarwun and Port Botany incursions have been eradicated. However, the initial Brisbane infestation has spread to around 300,000 hectares of south-east Queensland, and experts warn that the ant could soon spread to adjacent areas of NSW. Nevertheless, according to an Independent Review of the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication

neg: Symmetry breaking of escaping ants free results in an inefficient evacuation in terms of time. Geng Li and coworkers from Beijing Normal University tested whether and how the density of a group influenced symmetry breaking in escaping ants. They used the red imported fire ant ("Solenopsis invicta") to repeat the experiment mentioned above with different total number of ants. The result shows that the symmetry breaking increases at low density but decreases after a peak. That is to say, when density is low, the ant group produces a collective escaping behavior; while at high density, the ant group behaves more like random particles. Inspired by