Invasive ants are a diverse group of aggressive, competitive ant species that can rapidly establish and spread. Several ant species are amongst the most serious global invasive species. Their broad diets, nesting habits, ability to breed rapidly and adaptability to varied habitats make them excellent invaders. Agricultural, economic, environmental and social wellbeing are threatened by these ants, many of which have been introduced to, and established in, many countries.
About invasive ants
Invasive ants include a variety of aggressive ant species that displace native species through competition and predation. Commonly recognized invasive ant species include African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes), red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata), Singapore ant (Trichomyrmex destructor), Asian needle ant (Pachycondyla chinensis), raspberry ant (Nylanderia fulva) and browsing ant (Lepisiota frauenfeldi). Invasive ants are often difficult to distinguish visually from native ants, as most species are tiny (under 5 mm), have few evident distinguishing features and do not construct obvious nests.