They originally come from South America, and have lived in the USA since the 1930s. Through trade and tourism, the animals also reached many other countries such as Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand. Red fire ants have now been detected in Europe for the first time. Dozens of nests of the invasive species have been discovered on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily, like a research team in a specialist journal Current Biology reported. “We knew this day was coming,” says lead author Mattia Menchetti from the Spanish Institute for Developmental Biology. It is feared that the invasive species could quickly spread to other European countries thanks to climate change. Initially, cities in the Mediterranean region and cities with large ports such as Amsterdam or London are particularly at risk, the research team explained.
The red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is small but very aggressive and will eat a variety of other insects. Populations of native ants have been drastically reduced in several regions of the United States. In addition, there is high crop damage. “Solenopsis invicta is one of the worst invasive species,” Menchetti said. “It can spread at an alarming rate.”
Residents reported ant bites as early as 2019
Literally translated, the scientific name means “the undefeated fire ant”. When attacked, the animals first bite and then inject secretions from their poisonous stingers into the wound, often several times in quick succession. The secretion contains substances that cause a burning skin reaction. The attacks are also very painful for humans and cause itchy red pustules. In extreme cases, it can even be life-threatening for allergy sufferers.
The scientists discovered 88 nests, some with several thousand ants, on a five-hectare area near the Sicilian city of Syracuse. Residents have reported biting attacks since at least 2019. How exactly the species got to Sicily is still unclear. According to genetic analysis, it probably came via routes from the USA or China. A journey via merchant ships and wind currents is assumed.
According to the study, individual red fire ants had previously been found on imported products on the European continent, for example in Spain, Finland and the Netherlands. According to current knowledge, there has never been a population in the wild. According to New Zealand, the only country that has been able to eradicate the red fire ant is with a multi-year program. The scientists recommend taking the island nation in the Pacific as an example. “We need a coordinated approach, and we need it now,” stressed Menchetti.