Red imported fire ants are an invasive species in many parts of the world
Clarence Holmes Wildlife/Alamy
Nests of red imported fire ants, an invasive species, have been discovered by the dozens in Sicily, Italy.
Venomous and originates from South America, the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) has made its way throughout the world. Due in large part to the transportation of soil and plants from its original region to other countries, this species has spread over the world since it was first identified by science in 1916. This includes Australia, China, and the United States.
“It’s considered one of the worst invasive species,” says Mattia Menchetti of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, Spain. He warns that certain people may be allergic to the poison that red fire ants inject when they bite.
In addition to displacing native ant species, red fire ants threaten the natural environment by feeding on other species including birds and reptiles.
Menchetti claims that for several years now, people have been complaining of excruciating ant stings in and around the coastal city of Syracuse on the island of Sicily.
He and his team proceeded to collect samples and soon determined that S. invicta was responsible. The region was 4.7 ha in size, and the crew discovered 88 nests of red imported fire ants there.
Similarities in the ants’ DNA were detected with populations of red imported fires ants in China and the United States, suggesting that the now-established population in Sicily may have originated in any of these two countries.
The team’s models show that the ants’ current climatic conditions allow them to spread to 7% of Europe, but that climate change could increase their range much more. Cities along the Mediterranean coast are an ideal breeding ground because of the climate and the ease of travel. However, due to the abundance of heat sources, such as buildings, urban places across the continent, including Paris and London, may be ideal for the species’ survival and growth.
Menchetti’s group is collaborating with officials to keep an eye on the area and count the locals to gauge how widespread the problem is before deciding how to eradicate it.
FAQs:
Q: How did red imported fire ants end up in Europe?
A: Red imported fire ants were introduced to Europe through the transportation of soil and plants from their native South America to other countries.
Q: Why are red fire ants considered invasive and harmful?
A: These ants are invasive because they displace native ant species, pose a threat to other wildlife, and have painful venomous bites that can affect some people.
Q: Where in Europe have red imported fire ants been discovered?
A: Nests of red imported fire ants have been found in Sicily, Italy, particularly around the coastal city of Syracuse.
Q: How widespread is the red fire ant infestation in Sicily?
A: In Sicily, the infestation covers an area of 4.7 hectares, with 88 nests of red imported fire ants.
Q: Could climate change further spread these ants in Europe?
A: Yes, climate change could expand their range beyond the Mediterranean coast, potentially reaching cities like Paris and London due to favorable conditions.
Q: What is being done to address the red imported fire ant invasion in Europe?
A: Researchers are collaborating with officials to monitor the situation, assess the extent of the problem, and plan eradication strategies.
