Origin, Distribution, Biology and Integrated Management of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: ‎Formicidae): A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is a serious, aggressive social insect pest with an original distribution centered in the southern United States. Now, its population has been established in many countries around the globe. This insect is well-known for causing a range of harmful impacts, such as damaging crops, endangering public safety, harming livestock, reducing the diversity of native flora and fauna, and disrupting ecosystems, particularly in China. Its control is a laborious, expensive, and time-consuming task. Timely implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies is needed for its effective management. Strict preventive measures are needed to avoid its invasion in new areas or places. Effective quarantine measures are essential at seaports and airports to limit the movement of RIFA across countries. If the invasion has occurred, then proper implementation of IPM strategies should be used against RIFA. Considering the broad spectrum of losses caused by RIFA, this study provides proper information about the possible entry routes of invasions and provides guidelines for the implementation of IPM strategies against RIFA