First report of Solenopsis invicta in Sicily (Italy), and notes on another invasive fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata
- Solenopsis invicta
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is reported for the first time in Sicily, Italy. This is also the first report of this invasive species in the EPPO region. S. invicta is native to tropical/subtropical South America and has spread to North and Central America, East Asia and Australia. It is an opportunistic and omnivorous species which can prey on invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. In addition to its negative impacts on biodiversity and agriculture, it is a nuisance to humans, as its stings are particularly painful and may cause allergic reactions. Since 2022, S. invicta has been listed on the EU List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern.
During winter 2022/2023, 88 nests of S. invicta were found near the city of Syracuse (Sicily) in an area covering approximately 4.7 ha. It is noted that the invaded area, bordering a river estuary, is heavily disturbed, although it is part of a larger regional protected site. In this area, the local population has reported frequent ant stings since at least 2019, suggesting that S. invicta has been present there for several years. The pathway of introduction of S. invicta into Sicily is unknown, but the infested area is close to one of the main cargo harbours of the island (i.e. Augusta port, located approximately 13 km northward).
- Wasmannia auropunctata
Another invasive ant species, Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant) has also been recently introduced into the EPPO region. It originates from South America and has spread to other parts of the world. In the EPPO region, it was first found in Israel at the end of 2005 in the Jordan river valley. Small established populations have been recorded in urban areas in Southern Spain (2018 in Marbella, province of Málaga) and Southern France (August 2022 in Toulon, Var department). W. auropunctata is also listed on the EU List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern.
Sources
AntWeb
Solenopsis invicta. https://www.antweb.org/description.do?rank=species&name=invicta&genus=solenopsis&project=floridaants
Wasmannia auropunctata. https://www.antweb.org/description.do?genus=wasmannia&species=auropunctata&rank=species
Centre de Ressources Espèces Exotiques Envahissantes. Premier signalement de la petite fourmi de feu ou fourmi électrique (Wasmannia auropunctata) en Métropole (Département du Var). http://especes-exotiques-envahissantes.fr/premier-signalement-de-la-petite-fourmi-de-feu-ou-fourmi-electrique-wasmannia-auropunctata-en-metropole-departement-du-var/?lang=en
Espadaler X, Pradera C, Santana JA (2018) The first outdoor-nesting population of Wasmannia auropunctata in continental Europe (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Iberomyrmex 10, 1-8. https://desinsectador.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/espadaler-et-al-the-first-outdoor-nesting-population-of-wasmannia-auropunctata-in-continental-europe-2018.pdf
Gov.il. Ministry of Environmental Protection. Little fire ant. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/guides/little_fire_ant_wasmannia_auropunctata
Menchetti M, Schifani E, Alicata A, Cardador L, Sbrega E, Toro-Delgado E, Vila R (2023) The invasive ant Solenopsis invicta is established in Europe. Current Biology 33, R879–R897.