Red Imported Fire Ant

Introduction

The red imported fire ant is native the South America, and in Australia occurs in Queensland.
Outside of its native range it is a social pest because of its bite, its nests which can disturb sporting grounds and out door recreation areas, and its potential to infest electrical systems.
Although not yet a pest outside of urbanised settings, in the US they are a serious threat to livestock, especially young animals.

In natural systems they are voracious seed consumers, and destroy plant stems and roots, and also compete with and prey upon native invertebrates.

Under Queensland legislation, fire ants are a notifiable pest and suspected sightings must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland. It is also listed as a threatening process under the Commonwealth EPBC Act.

Activity

Resources

Use the resouces listed in the resources tab, along with others you identify yourself, to answer the following questions about currant lettuce aphid

Why is the red imported fire ant considered pest?
What are the key aspects of the ecology and biology the red imported fire ant that promote it being a pest?
Which groups or individuals comprise the community of interest surrounding the red imported fire ant as a pest?
How do the community and the red imported fire ant interact to promote or reduce dispersal?
What strategies for community engagement were implemented or are now proposed?
Why was the management of the red imported fire ant successful?
Have you identified possible improvements to the management of the red imported fire ant?

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