The red fire ant is known for painful bites and crop damage. Nests of the aggressive insect have now been discovered in Europe for the first time.
The red fire ant is considered a particularly aggressive species and its bite is very painful. The animals have now been discovered for the first time – and in thousands – in Europe. There are fears that the virus will spread like it has in other regions.
For the first time there is evidence of the feared red fire ant in Europe. Dozens of nests of the invasive species have been discovered on the Italian island of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, a research team reports in the journal Current Biology. “We knew this day would come,” said lead author Mattia Menchetti of the Spanish Institute of Developmental Biology.
There are now fears that the invasive species, encouraged by climate change, could quickly spread to other European countries. Initially, cities in the Mediterranean region and cities with large ports such as Amsterdam or London are at risk, the research team explains.
Originally from South America, red fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) initially introduced in the US. The small but very aggressive animals spread rapidly there from about the 1930s. In several US regions, native ant populations have been drastically reduced. And: A variety of other insects are also at risk from the red fire ant.
They also cause a lot of crop damage. Due to global trade and tourism, the fire ant later reached many other countries such as Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand. «S. invicta is one of the worst invasive species,” Menchetti said. “It can spread alarmingly quickly.”
Literally translated means the scientific name Solenopsis invicta “the undefeated fire ant”. When attacked, the animals first bite and then inject the secretion of their poisonous sting into the wound, often several times in succession.
The discharge contains substances that cause a burning skin reaction. The attacks are also very painful for humans and cause itchy red pustules. In extreme cases, it can even be life-threatening for allergy sufferers.
The scientists discovered 88 nests, some with several thousand ants, in an area of five hectares near the Sicilian city of Syracuse. Residents have been reporting bite attacks since 2019. Exactly how the species ended up in Sicily is still unclear – according to genetic analysis, it is likely via routes from the US or China. A journey via merchant ships and wind currents is assumed.
According to the study, individual red fire ants have previously been found on imported products on the European continent, for example in Spain, Finland and the Netherlands. According to current knowledge, a population has never existed in the wild.
According to information, New Zealand is the only country that has been able to eradicate the red fire ant with a multi-year program. The scientists recommend taking the island nation in the Pacific Ocean as an example. “We need a coordinated approach now,” Menchetti emphasized.
(t-online, with material from dpa)
Source: Blick
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