European Fire Ant

Common Name:
European Fire Ant

Scientific Name:
Myrmica rubra

Status:
Not yet in Cape Breton.

Description:

• Reddish brown in colour.
• Worker ants usually 4-5mm in length and queens are usually a little larger.
• First abdominal segment has two spines near the middle, which point towards the back end.
• Tend to be territorially aggressive and can sting.

Habitat:

The European fire ant is accustomed to cooler climates, contributing to the spread of this insect. Preferring humidity, areas along the coast are ideal for this species of fire ant. This may lead to severe infestations of coastal areas. Inland areas are also at risk but infestations tend to be not as severe.
 
European fire ant nests are difficult to spot, as they do not form a visible mound. Nests are usually located in sheltered, humid areas such as in decaying logs, soil, along the roots of trees, and under natural or manmade debris. Nests can range in size from hundreds to thousands of individuals with multiple queens. New nests can be formed quickly by "colony budding"- when a group of ants and a queen leave the original colony and establish a new colony nearby.

In their native areas, European fire ant is a crucial part of the lifecycle of endangered Maculinea butterflies. The Maculinea larvae secrete a chemical which tricks the ants into thinking the larvae are an ant larvae. The ants in turn take the Maculinea larvae into the nest. The Maculinea larvae enjoy feasts of ant larvae and are also fed by the worker ants, who will feed the Maculinea larvae in favour of their own larvae for up to two years. The Maculinea larvae, however, are not completely safe. The Ichneumon eumerus wasp can smell the Maculinea larvae from outside the nest and will venture into the nest, releasing a chemical which confuses the ants and allows the wasp to sneak in. Upon finding the Maculinea larvae, the wasp will deposit its eggs in the Maculinea larvae, which will hatch and eat the Maculinea from the inside out.

Invasion History:

The European fire ant is native to the northern areas of Europe and Asia, Scandinavia to the Black Sea and in some areas of Russia and China. Fire ants were first discovered in North America along the coast of Maine in the early 20th century and were likely transported through the soil of imported plants from Europe. It has only been recently identified in Nova Scotia. European fire ants are also present in New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.

Regional Sightings:

As of 2009, in Nova Scotia, European fire ants have been confirmed in the Halifax area, Lower Sackville, Abercrombie, Spryfield and Stellarton.

Potential Impacts:

Due to their nest habits and their aggressive behaviour, European fire ants present serious problems for homeowners. They are capable of stinging anything that gets too close to their nest. The sting is very painful, likened to a hornet sting, and some people may also be allergic. In high densities, they can decrease the value of property and present a danger to people and pets.

In addition, European fire ants have been reported to be responsible for decreases in the diversity of native species of ants and other insects in the Northern U.S.
 
To avoid the spread of this insect, it is important to thouroughly check soil, mulch and plants for fire ants before transporting them from known infected areas.

 Additional websites related to the European Fire Ant:

Information from the University of Florida about European fire ants:
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/ants/Myrmica_ruba.htm

Fire Ant Infestation Startles Nova Scotians: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/fire-ant-infestation-startles-nova-scotians/article1191447/

Halifax Faces Ant Menace: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2008/07/11/fire-ant.html

Fire Ant Information Bulletin:
http://www.halifax.ca/mediaroom/pressrelease/pr2008/080711EuropeanFireAnt.html

Caterpillers Con Ants with Smell: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7171196.stm

Ants Pawns in Battle of Wasps,Butterflies: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/05/0530_020530_ants.html