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Weekend Wildlife -- the Red Imported Fire AntIt seems like fire ants have been around for a long time. Especially here in Texas. But would Crockett, Bowie and Travis have had to contend with fire ants of the genus Solenopsis at The Alamo in 1836? Probably only Solenopsis xyloni and Solenopsis geminata, our native fire ant species. But they are not really the bad ones. That distinction goes to Solenopsis invicta, the Red Imported Fire Ant.
To learn more about the Red Imported Fire Ant, come to Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center on Saturday, November 16, from 10-11 a.m., for Weekend Wildlife. It will be a good opportunity to safely observe live fir ants up close and to learn a few facts about their life history in a short lecture.
Solenopsis invicta is the only species of fire ant found in Harris and Montgomery counties.
Invasive populations of Solenopsis invicta are by no means easy to ignore. They have been linked to a multitude of destructive effects, including stinging humans, agricultural and horticultural damages, and substantial negative impacts on native fauna and flora. Human deaths can (and do) result from their sting.
Solenopsis invicta is a native of South America, centered on the Pantanal region found at the headwaters of the Paraguay River. This area is comprised of seasonally flooded savannas and wetlands. Solenopsis invicta first became noticed as pest species after its introduction in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s. This introduction was thought to have its origins from a cargo ship from somewhere in NE Argentina. It is also possible there were numerous introductions at other ports such as New Orleans or Galveston. The fire ant is now found throughout the SE United States and California. It has subsequently been accidentally introduced and spread to other parts of the world as well.
All ants communicate by pheromones. Once the fire ant gets on someone, any slight movement of the skin will trigger the ants to give off the pheromone resulting in synchronized stinging. It is a protection mechanism.
Along the Mexican border of Texas and in West Texas, there exist native fire ants (S. xyloni) that are difficult to distinguish from their imported cousins. However, if you can see four tiny teeth on the mandible or jaw of a fire ant, it is S. invicta. Native species possess three teeth. Over East, Central and much of South Texas, the most common native fire ant, S. geminata, can be distinguished without examination of tiny details of anatomy. First disturb a mound by digging, then watch for the largest workers. If the heads of the largest workers are conspicuously wider than the gaster (abdominal segments), you are looking at the native species.
Now, for some good news: Solenopsis has NOT become pesticide resistant. Most granular insecticides and insect sprays only control foraging ants. Fire ant baits are best because you affect the queen and immatures. But, if the queen survives, she can replace foraging ants all day long.
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20634 Kenswick Dr, Humble, TX, United States, Texas 77338
