The Little Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): A Global Perspective

Abstract

Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) is an invasive tramp ant species that has been transported globally since [at least] the early twentieth century. It is often claimed that despite the negative impacts associated with this species and its listing among the world’s worst invasive species, very little research attention has been paid to W. auropuntata. Although the need for future research exists, there is currently a considerable body of research from around the world and spanning back to the 1920’s on this species. Here we synthesize over 200 peer reviewed research manuscripts, book chapters, conference presentations, and media reports of new distributions spanning 1929–2022 culminating in a comprehensive literature review on W. auropunctata. This review covers all current knowledge on this species and is intended to serve as a quick reference for future research and provide the reference resources for those seeking more in-depth information on specific topics. Topics included in this review include taxonomic identification, current global distribution and pathways, life history, impacts, detection, and control. We discuss where consensus and ambiguity currently lie within the research community, identify contextual considerations for future researchers when interpreting data, and suggest where we believe more research or clarifications are needed.

RNA virus discoveries in the electric ant, Wasmannia auropunctata

“…Wasmannia auropunctata (also known as the electric ant or little fire ant) is an invasive myrmicine tramp ant species native to Central and South America that is now well established throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, including the USA (specifically Texas, Florida, and Hawaii) [ 10 , 30 , 45 , 46 ]. Considered one of the world’s 100 most invasive species [ 26 ], the electric ant is a significant agricultural pest because it stings farm workers and enhances certain hemipteran populations, which saps plants of nutrients and vigor, and increases the occurrence of viral and fungal infections [ 45 ].…”

Synthetic Carvacrol Derivatives for the Management of Solenopsis Ants: Toxicity, Sublethal Effects, and Horizontal Transfer

“…In agricultural areas, ants cause direct damage to several crops [2,3], in addition to indirect damage, via reducing the natural biological control of populations of sucking insect pests. This occurs through mutualistic interactions with sucking insects, where ants perform pest defense against predators in exchange for honeydew (a sugary substance) [2,16,17]. They are very aggressive; thus, they can also attack several species, causing ecological disturbances [3].…”