Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Red Imported Fire Ant

Red Imported Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

A species of Fire ants, Also known as South american fire ant, Red invasive fire ant, Volcano ant

The red Imported Fire Ant( Solenopsis invicta ) is native to central South America. These aggressive ants can pose a serious threat to the health of humans, plants, and animals. The worker ants can sting their enemies repeatedly, unlike honeybee for once, and attack anything that disturbs them. In order to get honeydew easily, they farm aphids on plants, which are also harmful to plants. The red Imported Fire Ant cause billions of loss annually in the US.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Is the Red Imported Fire Ant Deadly?
Deadly
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Bite Animals
Bite Animals
General Info About Red Imported Fire Ant
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Red Imported Fire Ant
Habitat
forest; disturbed area; desert; grassland; road; building; electrical equipment
Adult Food Sources
Plant nectar, seeds, insects (e.g., caterpillars, termites, etc.), dead animal matter, household food scraps
Larva Food Source
Insect secretions (e.g., trophallaxis with adults), pre-chewed insects or parts of other arthropods, dissolved sugars or proteins fed by worker ants, eggs of other invertebrates, nutrient-rich secretions produced by the queen ant
Biting/stinging
The Red Imported Fire Ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Red Imported Fire Ant has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Red Imported Fire Ant can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Red Imported Fire Ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Red Imported Fire Ant typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Red Imported Fire Ant
They are native to the tropical areas of Central and South America. Though South American in origin. It has been accidentally introduced in Australia, New Zealand, several Asian and Caribbean countries, and the United States. They are among the worst invasive species in the world.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Red Imported Fire Ant
America, Australia
Rectangle
Appearance of Red Imported Fire Ant
The ant's colours are red and somewhat yellowish with a brown or black gaster, but males are completely black. Workers measure between 2.5 mm and 6 mm. The colour of the queen is similar to that of a worker: the gaster is dark brown and the legs, scapes, and thorax are light brown with dark streaks on the mesoscutum. The head is yellowish or yellowish-brown around the central regions, the occiput and mandibles are a similar colour to the thorax, and the wing veins range from colourless to pale brown.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Red Imported Fire Ant?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Red Imported Fire Ant
Egg The egg of the red Imported Fire Ant is typically oval and small. It represents the initial stage of development, which is relatively inactive and grows in size as development progresses.
Larva As larvae, the red Imported Fire Ant are legless and have a soft body. Feeding voraciously, they grow rapidly, molting several times before reaching the next stage.
Pupal The pupal stage of red Imported Fire Ant is where transformation occurs. The body is encased in a protective cocoon, and significant changes happen internally, preparing for adult emergence.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red Imported Fire Ant’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is now focused on reproduction.
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Red Imported Fire Ant
Armadillos, anteaters, birds, spiders, wasps, other ants including fire ants from other colonies
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Red Imported Fire Ant
When red Imported Fire Ant nests floods, workers form living rafts to protect the queen and larvae, with their bodies interlinked to float on water.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Red Imported Fire Ant
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Family
Ants
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Red Imported Fire Ant
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Red Imported Fire Ant
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Red Imported Fire Ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of red Imported Fire Ant typically reside deep in the underground nests, where the temperature and humidity are regulated. To locate them, one would have to carefully excavate near the mounds without destroying the nest's intricate structure. Adult red Imported Fire Ant, on the other hand, are commonly found on the surface foraging for food. They create visible trails that can lead observers to their nests. To encounter pupae, one should inspect the inner chambers of the nest where they are shielded and nurtured. Eggs are laid by the queen and are usually clustered in the deeper, protected areas of the colony, often requiring meticulous searching within the nest to be found.
Are Red Imported Fire Ant harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The red Imported Fire Ant can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

Rectangle

Are Red Imported Fire Ant harmful to humans?

The red Imported Fire Ant harms humans with its venom, which contains alkaloids. The ant will bite to attach to the host and then inject its stinger multiple times. The sting results in a burning sensation, itchy blisters, and infections. In severe cases, stings can produce shock and may result in death. Consult your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms from a red Imported Fire Ant bite.
This ant can be found anywhere that humans are, including schools, parks, lawns, homes, etc. Infestations can be prevented and managed with baits, traps, and pesticides. Contact a professional if you need to remove a red Imported Fire Ant mound or colony.
Harmful Effects of Red Imported Fire Ant
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Humans
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Deadly
Rectangle
Toxic to Humans

Red Imported Fire Ant delivers a sting containing an alkaloid venom, posing a risk to human health ranging from mild to severe. The venom can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the sting site. Severe reactions may include chest pain, nausea, and sweating. These effects are a defense mechanism and not predatory, targeting threats rather than prey. Some individuals may experience serious complications, such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

Red Imported Fire Ant is known for its potent venom, which can cause severe reactions. This spider typically uses fangs to inject venom into its victims through a bite. While adult spiders are primarily responsible for incidents, their venom can significantly affect humans, dogs, cats, and small mammals, leading to discomfort and potential medical emergencies. Insects can also be victims, but the impact on various animals may differ due to their size, physiology, and the amount of venom received.

Rectangle
Is the Red Imported Fire Ant Deadly?

Red Imported Fire Ant, through its sting, can cause severe allergic reactions that may be lethal, particularly in vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly. Alkaloid venom (Solenopsin) is the primary toxin. Preventive measures and immediate treatment for anaphylaxis are critical to reduce the risks of fatality from red Imported Fire Ant encounters.

More Effects of Red Imported Fire Ant

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Red Imported Fire Ant
Fire ant
Fire ant

Solenopsis geminata is an ant species from the Myrmicinae subfamily. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1804 by Fabricius.

Read More
Arrow
Southern fire ant
Southern fire ant

Southern fire ant is a species adapted for cooperative living, with a sophisticated social structure organized around a single reproducing queen and varying castes of workers. This species exhibits an aggressive defense mechanism, emitting a sting that delivers a painful venom to deter predators. With a diet that includes proteins and sugars, southern fire ant forage efficiently, utilizing pheromone trails for their scavenging activities, highlighting their advanced communication systems.

Read More
Arrow
Thief ant
Thief ant

Solenopsis molesta, also known as thief ants , get their names from their habit of nesting close to other ant nests, from which they steal food. They are also called grease ants because they are attracted to grease. Nuptial flight in this species occur from late July through early fall.

Read More
Arrow
Aphaenogaster swammerdami
Aphaenogaster swammerdami

Aphaenogaster swammerdami is an ant species from the subfamily of the Myrmicinae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1886 by Trout.

Read More
Arrow
Aphaenogaster swammerdami clara
Aphaenogaster swammerdami clara

Read More
Arrow
Gliding ants
Gliding ants

Cephalotes atratus is a large, mainly black ant; workers are 8 - 15 mm in length and females 2 cm. Males are up to 1.4 cm and have black heads and thoraxes, and dark reddish-brown gasters and limbs. The workers are spiny and heavily armoured with powerful mandibles for chewing through wood.

Read More
Arrow
Striated ant
Striated ant

Huberia striata is an ant species from the subfamily of the Myrmicinae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1876 by Smith, F ..

Read More
Arrow
Labidus coecus
Labidus coecus

This species of army ant lives mainly underground, only emerging to forage for food. Its raids on other species are thought to help to protect ant species diversity. They also prey upon pest species such as screwworm larvae, which protects the livestock that this worm infects.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow