| Description:
Fire ant workers vary in size,
ranging from l/16- to 1/4-inch
long and are yellow to dark
red-brown. The thorax lacks
spines, and the petiole has
two nodes. They have a stinger
at the tip of the abdomen and
ten. segmented antennae, which
is tipped with a two-segmented
club.
Habits:
Several species of Solenopsis
are called, fire ants, because
of the fiery pain their stings
inflict upon the victim. These
ants usually nest in the ground
but can develop colonies in
structures, especially in
areas near the soil. They
are attracted to electrical
junction boxes, such as air
conditioners and traffic signals.
When nesting in the soil,
they build large, unsightly
mounds which are a detriment
to cultivation of fields.
Some species of fire ants
nest in typical ant habitats,
such as under stones, landscape
timbers, in voids and around
foundations.
These ants, and especially
the red imported fire ant,
Solenopsis invicta, have tremendously
large colonies that can severely
injure crops, lawns, young
birds, and people. Fire ants
prefer high protein foods
but will feed on practically
everything, including other
insects, honeydew, seeds,
fruit juices, nectar, plants,
nuts, cereals, butter, grease,
and meats. They also gnaw
on electrical wiring and clothing,
especially if it is soiled.
|
