What Role Do Red Imported Fire Ants Play In The Ecosystem/enviornment?
by paco on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 | 2 Comments
What role do red imported fire ants play in the ecosystem/enviornment? Do they have any prey other than humans. Also, does it have any biological relationships/mating behaviors/reproductive strat controlegies? I would greatly appreciate anybody’s help.
Thanks in advance,
Mr. Curious ’bout ants
Fire ant populations in North America are 5-10 times higher than native populations in South America, apparently because they have escaped many of their natural enemies. The introduction of self-sustaining natural enemies offers the only real hope for permanent wide-area control of imported fire ants. To date, three decapitating flies in the genus Pseudacteon have been released as classical biocontrol agents of imported fire ants. A fourth species is awaiting release permits and a fifth species is awaiting host specificity tests in quarantine. Host-specificity tests are being conducted with two microsporidian pathogens from Argentina in an effort to clear them for field release in the United States. Several viruses, a parasitic ant, a parasitic wasp, and several nematodes are also being investigated as potential biocontrol agents. Ultimately, it is hoped that the introduction of these and other biocontrol agents will tip the ecological balance back in favor of our native ants. If this happens, imported fire ant populations in North America may drop to levels similar to those in South America.
Yes to all parts of your question! If the fire-ants had not found a niche in which to sustain themselves they would have died out before they got started! The “rule” of evolution!