Solenopsis invicta

E84375

Solenopsis invicta, commonly known as the red imported fire ant, is an aggressive, invasive ant species notorious for its painful sting and significant ecological and agricultural impacts.


Statements (68)
Predicate Object
instanceOf ant species
invasive species
biocontrolAgent Pseudacteon phorid flies
Solenopsis invicta virus 1
Thelohania solenopsae
class Insecta
climatePreference subtropical
tropical
colonyType monogyne
polygyne
color dark brown abdomen
reddish brown
commonName RIFA
red imported fire ant
controlMethods bait insecticides
biological control agents
contact insecticides
describedBy Buren
diet honeydew from hemipterans
insects
seeds
vertebrate carrion
family Formicidae
foragingBehavior opportunistic omnivore
genus Solenopsis
hasSting true
hasWorkerPolymorphism true
impact agricultural pest
damage to electrical equipment
ecological disruptor
predation on ground-nesting vertebrates
reduces native ant diversity
urban pest
introducedTo Australia
Caribbean
China
Mexico
New Zealand
Southeastern United States
Taiwan
United States
introducedVia agricultural trade
ballast soil
kingdom Animalia
listedAs quarantine pest
nativeTo Pantanal region of Brazil
Paraguay
South America
nestLocation open sunny areas
nestType earthen mounds
order Hymenoptera
phylum Arthropoda
recognizedAs one of the world’s worst invasive alien species
reproduction nuptial flights
socialStructure eusocial
spreadsBy colony budding
mated queen dispersal
stingEffect allergic reactions in humans
painful burning sensation
pustule formation
subfamily Myrmicinae
taxonRank species
threatens agricultural production
biodiversity
human health
venomType alkaloid venom
workerSizeRange 2.4–6 mm
yearDescribed 1972

Referenced by (2)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Formicidae
containsSpecies
Myrmicinae
notableSpecies

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