Where is the red fire ant originally from?
Brazil
Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta. History: The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is native to the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. It was introduced into the United States at Mobile, Alabama, about 1940. The exact date and method of introduction is not known.
What causes red fire ants?
The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) was accidentally brought into the United States in the 1930s via a shipment of cargo. Initially transplanted into Alabama, they have spread and thrived throughout the southern states with the warm climate and lack of predators.
What attracts red fire ants?
Fire ant workers are attracted to oily or greasy foods. They take these foods back to the colony and pass them to the other ants in the nest. Fire ants also will eat other insects, oily seeds, and sometimes during dry weather will dig into potatoes that are in the ground.
Are red fire ants invasive?
Fire ants get their name from their especially painful sting or bite. The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is an invasive species from Brazil and is known to be more aggressive than other species of ants. They may be more prone to attack and will sting with more venom than usual.
Where did the red imported fire ants come from?
They are everywhere. They came from South America in the 1930s and were first reported entering ports in the Panhandle coming in from Brazil. It is the red imported fire ant (RIFA).
Where are fire ants found in the United States?
Mostly the Southeastern United States, with limited geographic distribution in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Employers should protect their workers from fire ants by training them about: How to identify fire ants and their nests
What kind of body does a red fire ant have?
The mandible has four distinct teeth and the antennae are 10-segmented, ending in a two-segmented club. A sting is present at the tip of the gaster (abdomen or third segment). Body color is usually red to brown in color with a black gaster.
What are the different types of fire ants?
There are two types of fire ants in this state: the native fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) and the RIFA (S. invicta).
Where are fire ants found in Colorado?
People worry about fire ants, but there’s a common ant in Colorado that has a much more painful bite. The red harvester ant is commonly found in Castle Rock and other areas across Colorado.
What is the origin of fire ants?
Fire ants ( Red Imported Fire Ants , Solenopsis invicta) originated from South Africa and were inadvertently introduced to the US through the port of Mobile, Alabama in the 1093’s.
What is the range of fire ants?
Fire ants range from ⅛ to ¼ in (3.18-6.35 mm) long. In the US, fire ants are found in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Where is the fire ant located?
Fire Ants. Though fire ants are found in the US, they are mostly distributed across South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
