The invaders spread throughout the United States: hybrid fire ants, born of the mixture between red and black fire ants. The species, called Solemnopsis invicta × richderiIt is more resistant and aggressive than its predecessors.
What will you read here:
- A more aggressive and durable hybrid type is spreading around the United States;
- The new species has already reached Virginia, driven by environmental changes and genetic adaptation;
- Global warming has expanded the habitat of these ants, formerly restricted to hot regions;
- In addition to moving naturally, they extend through hay, firewood and carried vehicles;
- It represents a risk of wildlife, livestock and human, which requires containment measures.
The hybrid has already spread to East Tennessee, as well as Kentucky and North Carolina, and now advances to the south -west of Virginia. Rapid expansion worries experts, who associate their spread with environmental changes and genetic adaptation.
According to a statement from the Polytechnic Institute and the Virginia State University (Virginia Tech), ants have been found in new places every week.
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Promotes global warming in hybrid ants expanding
Entomology teacher Scotty Yang explains that crossing two species, some characteristics may be “borrowed” from each other. If these features offer advantages, such as greater cold resistance, hybrid species can become even more adaptable. This explains why the new type of ant is moving to colder areas than usual.
Increased average temperature has favored this expansion. Fire ants were limited to warmer states, but global warming is making the previously inhospid regions more and more appropriate. Virginia, for example, has faced smoother winters and warmer summers, as these hybrid ants were first seen in the region 25 years ago. If the trend continues, it is expected to extend even more.
“The speed they advance is amazing,” warns Yang. In addition to leaving on their own, ants also migrate into hay bullets, wood and vehicles, further accelerating their dispersion.
The risk of these ants goes beyond their uncomfortable presence. The species has aggressive behavior and can cause significant damage to wildlife and livestock. Cases of dead calves have been reported after attacks as well as severe allergic reactions in humans. In response to the threat, United States and Virginia Agriculture Departments have implemented quarantine to contain the advance of the species, but there are fears that ants have already exceeded these restricted areas.
“It is essential that people be informed about these ants,” says Amy Byington, a specialist who works to control the pest. According to her, the regions not accustomed to this type of insect can underestimate it, which increases the risk of incidents. With accelerated expansion, knowledge and prevention are the best weapons to deal with this unexpected threat.
