FIRE ANT (Solenopsis spp. xyloni, geminata, saevissima richteri)

Key Biology

• Two nodes
• Polymorphic
• 1/8 inch long
• Uneven thorax
• 10 segments of antenna
• 2-segmented club
• Dark brown to reddish

Distribution

• Omnivorous-- seeds, nuts, meats, grease, insects, young poultry, garden crops, buds of fruit trees, sweets, and honeydew
• Nest in soil, rotten wood, often disfiguring lawns with their craters
• Very active pugnacious, and have very painful bee-like sting

They are serious pests in extreme South, rivaling Argentine ant in importance, invading houses, infesting food, getting into every crevice, eating holes in fabric, and stinging when handled.