Prevalence and management of Solenopsis invicta in China

Abstract

Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, was first found in Taiwan province of China in 2003. To prevent transboundary expansion, the Chinese government has formulated various control strategies in the last 15 years to slow down the spread of S. invicta. Despite all efforts, S. invicta invasion has reached more than 390 counties of 13 provinces and two special administrative regions in China; at present, S. invicta remains at the stage of rapid expansion. The transnational entry of S. invicta is linked to imported logs and wastepaper coming mostly from the United States. In domestic settings, long-distance expansion of S. invicta relied on potted plant and turf transportation. Both monogyne and polygyne social forms of S. invicta were present in China with polygyne colonies as the dominant one. Data on population and breeding dynamics of S. invicta reveal the presence of two peaks annually with nuptial flights occurring throughout the year. Arthropods, plant seeds, and honeydew are important food sources of S. invicta, thereby causing negative impacts on the abundance, diversity, and richness of native arthropod communities. Fire ants are threats not only to agriculture and power facilities, but also to human health, with more than 30% of people having suffered from the sting and 10% having experienced an allergic reaction. To address the expansion of S. invicta, the National Fire Ant Detection and Management Union was established and the formulation and implementation of management policies were drawn. Plant quarantine becomes an essential step in fire ant management, whereas the two-step method of combing toxic baits and contact dust emerges as the forefront method crucial in managing S. invicta. The experience and lessons learned from fire ant management in China could benefit other countries when facing similar challenges.

Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to an essential balm and its components

“…The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is native to inner South America and has been introduced to the United States, Australia, China, Japan, and many other regions in the world. [1][2][3][4] Solenopsis invicta stings cause serious medical problems, such as severe infections, fever, generalized urticaria, anaphylactic shock, and even death. 5,6 People with limited mobility are under high risk of indoor S. invicta attack (e.g.…”

Establishment and Social Impacts of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Taiwan

“…RIFA is a major aggressive invasive ant species worldwide and has been categorized as a “super pest” owing to its expansion rate and severe effects on the nation’s economy, health, ecology, and lifestyle [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Despite great efforts, the United States has failed to eliminate RIFA, in part due to the lack of experience and absence of effective natural enemies [ 30 ].…”

“…In contrast, RIFA was thought to have arrived in 1933 in the United States but was not discovered until 1942 [ 42 ]. The cases in Taiwan, China, and Australia were similarly discovered late [ 41 ]. RIFA was likely present in Taiwan for more than five years before it was discovered in 2003 [ 3 ].…”

“… Movement control is difficult to achieve. Human-assisted dispersal through nursery pots and soil is the most challenging part of controlling RIFA because it can easily transport the ants over a long distance [ 41 , 45 ], as evidenced in the case of Taichung World Flora Exposition on 2 November 2018, in Taiwan [ 13 ]. The dilemma has to be overcome by promulgating regulations.…”

Red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) cover inaccessible surfaces with particles to facilitate food search and transportation

“…Twelve colony groups of S. invicta were collected between 25 May and 11 June 2018. Previous studies have shown that the polygyne type is the dominant social form of S. invicta in mainland China (Wang et al ., 2020). In this study, all S. invicta colonies were considered polygyne because of the relatively high density of mounds observed at the collection site.…”