Invasive Red Fire Ants Spreading in Europe
Published:19 Nov.2023 Source:Cell Press
"S. invicta is one of the worst invasive species. It can spread alarmingly quickly," says lead author Mattia Menchetti of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Spain. Commonly known as the imported red fire ant, Although it originated in South America, S. invicta has spread quickly, flying into wind streams to travel farther on the local level.a group of ant experts confirm that the species has made its way to Sicily -- the ant's first official sighting in Europe. The ants could soon spread all over the continent, the researchers warn, which could cause major environmental, health, and economic problems in Italy and beyond.
The researchers concluded that this particular population likely came from either the US or China. Next, the authors analyzed the local wind patterns in Sicily to see how the ants might spread now that they're in Europe. They also put together a comprehensive model to determine how suitable the rest of Europe and the Mediterranean area will be for the species -- and whether climate change will be a factor.
The researchers plan to base their interventions on what worked there and on efforts currently underway in China. To start, they'll systematically inspect local areas to see if the species has already reached them. Then, they'll begin a multi-year treatment plan to eradicate the nests and monitor the invaded sites carefully .The team hopes to organize citizen science programs in which people would look for S. Invicta. The specialists would then double-check to confirm that it's the right ant species -- an important step because many European ants make similar-looking nests.