Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta
(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The red imported fire ant can be found in eleven southeastern states from North Carolina and Texas to Florida, , and was recently discovered in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. The life cycle usually takes 22 to 38 days. Eggs, larvae and pupae are found in the nest. The adult worker is usually red to brown with a black abdomen.

Damage to vegetable crops is caused due to feeding damage on the young tender growth including fruits. Vegetable crops that are commonly attacked include corn, okra, bean, cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, potato, sweet potato, and peanut. Economic losses also occur when the root systems of plants are attacked, resulting in stand reductions. Currently only one chemical control (an insect growth regulator) is available for use in crops. Biological control agents are identified and their efficacy is being investigated.

Images

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Fire ants feeding on okra
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University
of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, mound.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, worker.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, adult.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.



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