last updated 23.Nov.2007
|
Invasive & Tramp Ants
The industrial age brought regular human commerce to all corners of the globe. A number of ant species have thrived by stowing away in our cargo and establishing new populations wherever opportunity offers. These are the rats of the ant world, benefiting from human activities and multiplying in our wake.
Species regarded as "invasive" have drastic effects on the habitats where they are introduced, displacing native species and altering the structure and function of the ecosystem. Among the worst of these invaders are the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta, the Argentine Ant Linepithema humile, and the Little Fire Ant Wasmannia auropunctata. Species regarded as "tramps" are less disruptive to native ecosystems, although they can become abundant, often in cities and other areas altered by human activities.
|
Click on thumbnails to enlarge. Images will open in a new browser window.
Argentine Ant - Linepithema humile
Native: Subtropical South America
Introduced: Worldwide, especially in Mediterranean climates
Fire Ant - Solenopsis invicta
Native: South America
Introduced: North America, Australia, China
Little Fire Ant - Wasmannia auropunctata
Native: Central and South America
Introduced: Tropical regions worldwide
Pavement Ant - Tetramorium caespitum group species
Native: Eurasia
Introduced: Temperate North and South America
European Fire Ant - Myrmica rubra
Native: Europe
Introduced: Eastern North America
White-Footed Ant - Technomyrmex albipes group species
Native: Unknown, Old-World tropics
Introduced: Tropical regions worldwide
Black Crazy Ant - Paratrechina longicornis
Native: Unknown, Old World
Introduced: warmer regions worldwide
Pharaoh's Ant - Monomorium pharaonis
Native: Unknown, Old World
Introduced: Worldwide
Miscellaneous Tramp Ant Species
|
[back to top] [back to ant behavior list]
|
