Fire Ants and Thief Ants

Solenopsis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Solenopsidini
Genus: Solenopsis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Solenopsis: /sɒlɛˈnɒpsɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Solenopsis (Diagyne) succinea by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Solenopsis (Euophthalma) globularis littoralis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Solenopsis huachucana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Solenopsis (Diplorhoptrum) corticalis var. binotata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Solenopsis (Diplorhoptrum) latastei var. hoffmanni by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Solenopsis is a genus comprising fire ants and thief ants, characterized by their variable morphology, nesting habits, and presence across the United States, with notable challenges in classification and invasive species impact.

Physical Characteristics

Larger usually dark brown to red species with variable worker size and morphology; body surface is shining with little evident sculpture except for some species (e.g., pergandei, tennesseensis) that feature circular, punctate impressions. The pedicel is two-segmented, each antenna has ten segments with a two-segmented club, and they typically lack propodeal spines or teeth, along with propodeal sculpture except in species like geminata which may have weak longitudinal ridges.

Identification Tips

Identified using a microscope to verify characteristics like pedicel structure and antenna segmentation; lack of propodeal spines; specific surface characteristics and punctate impressions.

Habitat

Generalists found mostly in soil nests, though picta is twig-nesting and arboreal; some thief ants nest within or near nests of larger ants.

Distribution

Fire ants are found in the "Sunbelt" states, while thief ants occur in all 48 states and southernmost Canada; two invasive fire ant species are abundant in the Southeast and sporadically in the Southwest.

Diet

Generalist feeders, with thief ants reputedly foraging in the chambers of larger ants and possibly consuming their brood.

Life Cycle

Not explicitly mentioned; information not detailed in provided data.

Reproduction

Not specifically mentioned; additional data not provided.

Predators

Not specified; may include general predators of ants.

Conservation Status

Richteri may be facing extinction in North America due to hybridization, but overall status is not detailed.

Ecosystem Role

As generalist foragers, they play roles in soil aeration and nutrient recycling; thief ants may interact ecologically with larger ant species.

Economic Impact

Fire ants can damage outdoor electrical equipment and certain crops and livestock, leading to control programs and research.

Cultural Significance

Not mentioned; further information not provided.

Health Concerns

Fire ants possess a very painful sting which is the primary health concern associated with them.

Evolution

Thief ants' previous grouping under the subgenus Diplorhoptrum is believed to be polyphyletic and synonymized for now; ongoing taxonomic revision needed.

Misconceptions

Commonly known as fire ants for larger species, misconceptions may include their nesting behaviors and sting severity.