Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Invasive Longlegged Ant,Anoplolepis gracilipes

Abstract

The longlegged ant ( Anoplolepis gracilipes) is one of the most damaging invasive tramp ants globally. It is generally found between latitudes 27°N and 27°S in Asia, although it has been introduced to other continents. Its native range remains debatable, but it is believed to be in Southeast Asia. Anoplolepis gracilipes invasion has many serious ecological consequences, especially for native invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant communities, altering ecosystem dynamics and functions. We examine and synthesize the literature about this species’ origin and distribution, impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, biology and ecology, chemical control, and potential biocontrol agents. We highlight emerging research needs on the origin and invasion history of this species, its reproductive mode, its relationship with myrmecophiles, and its host–microbial interactions, and we discuss future research directions. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Entomology, Volume 67 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

First Polycipivirus and Unmapped RNA Virus Diversity in the Yellow Crazy Ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes

“…Penang is considered part of the putative native range of A . gracilipes , while Okinawa is located in the ant’s known invasive range [ 13 ]. A single worker individual from each of the two colonies was randomly selected to establish an RNA-pool for RNA sequencing.…”

“…Malaysia and Indonesia have been considered part of the putative native range of A . gracilipes , while Taiwan, Okinawa, and Hawaii are located in the ant’s known invasive range [ 13 ]. The total RNA was bulk extracted from ten worker ants from each of the 107 colonies following the same procedure mentioned above.…”

“…The yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes , is a globally distributed invasive ant; yet, the native range of this ant species remains debatable as multiple datasets failed to reach consensus [ 13 ]. However, new lines of evidence have been recently accumulated to support the Southeast Asian origin of this ant [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Invasion genetics of the longhorn crazy ant: the global expansion of a double-clonal reproduction system

“…For example, factors contributing to the invasion success could be deduced from comparisons of traits such as reproductive strategies and colony structures between invasive and native populations. Since (Lee and Yang, 2022; Wetterer, 2010, 2009, 2005).…”

“…Native populations generally harbor higher genetic diversity than invasive populations that generally experience genetic bottlenecks during introduction (Dlugosch and Parker, 2008;Sakai et al, 2001). However, identifying the source population can be challenging, especially if the candidate's geographic region is extensive (Lee and Yang, 2022;Wetterer, 2010Wetterer, , 2009Wetterer, , 2005.…”