Identification
Red front end, dark brown to black rear end. Two nodes attach the abdomen to the thorax (see below). 3 - 6 mm.
Range
Southern US, from North Carolina [Virginia?] to California - and spreading.
Food
Omnivorous, will eat almost any plant or animal material, alive or dead
Remarks
The Red Imported Fire Ant is the most aggressive and widespread of the fire ants found in North America. It was introduced from South America into the United States between 1933 and 1945.
If their nest is stepped on, the workers rush out and sting the feet and legs of the intruder. Each sting results in a small, acutely painful wound that develops into a pustule in 24 to 48 hours. As the pustules heal they become itchy and can become infected.
Despite its reputation, it does have an obligate Scarab beetle;
Martineziana dutertrei. This species is often very common and is attracted to light.
For Fire Ant bite remedies see this
page.
