The red fire ant, an invasive organism, has now successfully entrenched itself in Europe, with confirmed colonies in Sicily, Italy. The species, known for its ecological and health hazards, could feasibly establish itself in up to 7% of European land. Researchers emphasize the immediate need for extensive surveillance and swift intervention. Credit: Jesse Rorabaugh
The research corroborates the presence of the red fire ant in Europe, identifying it as one of the globe’s most invasive species and ranking fifth in terms of the cost of eradication efforts.
A scholarly article released in the reputable journal Current Biology, spearheaded by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a collaborative entity of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), reported the identification of 88 red fire ant colonies, collectively spanning 5 hectares in proximity to the city of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. According to genetic evaluations within the study, these invasive colonies likely originated from either China or the United States, where the ant is also considered invasive. The research team, led by Roger Vila of IBE, included Mattia Menchetti as its principal author, an INPhINIT “la Caixa” pre-doctoral scholar at the same institution, and involved contributions from CREAF, the University of Parma, and the University of Catania.
The study’s ecological models proffer concerning forecasts regarding the ant’s potential for territorial expansion across Europe, a situation possibly exacerbated by ongoing climate changes.
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The Red Fire Ant’s Invasive Impact Globally
Originally hailing from South America, the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) has wreaked havoc on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health across various countries. The sting of this ant is not only painful but can also result in skin pustules and allergic reactions, including the potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.
In less than a hundred years, this ant species has pervaded the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, Taiwan, and Australia. Its eradication has only been successful in New Zealand. In the United States alone, the financial toll of its presence approximates nearly six billion euros annually. Countries like Australia have allocated millions for its removal, albeit with limited success.
Red Fire Ant’s Establishment in Italy
Prior to this study, instances of S. invicta had sporadically been observed in imported goods in countries like Spain, Finland, and the Netherlands. However, its stable establishment in Europe was never verified.
Genetic analysis by the research team suggests that the colonies in Syracuse, Sicily, likely have their origins in China or the United States. These colonies are situated in a suburban locale featuring both an estuary and a natural park. It’s a remote area, thereby making it improbable as the initial point of entry into Sicily. The researchers posit that the actual point of entry was likely a hub of human activity, such as the commercial port in Syracuse. Meteorological data further indicates that flying queen ants could have arrived from the port’s northwestern direction, prompting the research team to advocate for vigilant monitoring in that area.
Potential for European Expansion by Red Fire Ant
In collaboration with CREAF, the study’s distribution models indicate that under current environmental conditions, this invasive ant species could potentially colonize about 7% of Europe. Urban centers in Europe, including Barcelona, Rome, London, and Paris, are climatically conducive for this species, which could severely affect the lifestyles of their residents. Mediterranean cities with busy seaports are particularly vulnerable to an S. invicta invasion. Climate change could worsen the situation, enabling the ant to infiltrate additional European regions.
“Immediate, well-coordinated actions are indispensable for detecting and effectively managing this new ecological menace before it proliferates uncontrollably,” advises Roger Vila, the lead investigator at IBE’s Butterfly Diversity and Evolution group.
“The general public could significantly contribute to early detection efforts, given that this ant species is commonly found in urban and peripheral areas. Their painful stings and distinctive nest mounds make them relatively easy to identify, although expert confirmation is essential,” elaborates Mattia Menchetti, an INPhINIT “la Caixa” pre-doctoral researcher at IBE and the primary author of the study.
Considering the ant’s capacity for dispersal and the still-unknown initial entry point, the researchers recommend expanding the monitoring efforts across a broader geographical scale.
For further information, consult the research article “Invasive Red Fire Ants Confirmed in Europe for the First Time.”
Reference: “The fire ant Solenopsis invicta is established in Europe” by Mattia Menchetti, Enrico Schifani, Antonio Alicata, Laura Cardador, Elisabetta Sbrega, Eric Toro-Delgado and Roger Vila, published on 11 September 2023, in Current Biology.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.036
Financial support for this study was provided by the “la Caixa” Foundation, among other institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Red Fire Ant Invasion in Europe
What species has recently become invasive in Europe?
The red fire ant, scientifically known as Solenopsis invicta, has recently established colonies in Sicily, Italy, marking its invasive presence in Europe.
Where in Europe have colonies of the red fire ant been found?
The colonies have been discovered near the city of Syracuse, in Sicily, Italy, covering an area of approximately 5 hectares.
What threats does the red fire ant pose?
This invasive species presents considerable ecological and health hazards. Its sting can be extremely painful and cause allergic reactions, including the potentially fatal anaphylactic shock. Ecologically, it has the potential to disrupt local ecosystems and agriculture.
How much of Europe is at risk of red fire ant colonization?
According to the study, the red fire ant has the potential to colonize about 7% of Europe, with particular vulnerability observed in urban centers such as Barcelona, Rome, London, and Paris.
What is the recommended course of action to combat this invasion?
Researchers stress the need for immediate, well-coordinated, and extensive monitoring and intervention to manage this new ecological threat effectively. They also mention that the general public can play a key role in early detection efforts.
Who conducted the study on the red fire ant in Europe?
The study was led by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF). It was spearheaded by Roger Vila and included contributions from CREAF, the University of Parma, and the University of Catania.
Are there any financial implications related to combating the red fire ant?
Yes, the red fire ant is ranked as the fifth most costly invasive species to combat globally. In the United States, the annual estimated loss due to its presence is nearly six billion euros. Countries like Australia have allocated millions for its eradication but have met with limited success.
What role can the public play in managing this invasive species?
The public can contribute significantly to early detection efforts. The ant’s painful stings and distinctive nest mounds make them relatively easy to identify, although confirmation from an expert is essential.
How did the red fire ant enter Europe?
While the exact route of entry is unknown, genetic analyses suggest that the colonies in Syracuse, Sicily, likely originated from China or the United States. Researchers speculate that the entry point was probably a transit area with human activity, such as a commercial port.
How does climate change impact the potential spread of the red fire ant?
Climate change could exacerbate the situation by making more areas climatically suitable for the ant’s colonization, potentially leading to an even greater spread across Europe.
More about Red Fire Ant Invasion in Europe
- Red Fire Ant: An Invasive Species Guide
- Study on Red Fire Ant in Current Biology Journal
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE)
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)
- CREAF: Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications
- University of Parma
- University of Catania
- Impacts of Invasive Species on Ecosystems
- Anaphylactic Shock: Symptoms and Treatment
- Ecological Consequences of Invasive Species in Europe
- Global Costs of Invasive Species Management
- Climate Change and Invasive Species: A Review
- la Caixa Foundation: Supporting Scientific Research
