Red Imported Fire Ants

Red Imported Fire ant
Distinctive Qualities:

• Two Nodes
• Worker sizes: 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3.5 to 7mm) in length
• Uneven Thorax
• No spines on thorax
• 10 antennal segments, antennal club has two segments
• Color is reddish brown, abdomen is darker

Tip: Stinger is usually present and inflicts a painful sting.

History & Distribution

Red imported fire ants are native to South Amera, and has made its way into United States and numerious other countries. In the 1930's these little red imported fire ants were accidently introduced into the United States through seaport.  Red imported fire ants have been introduced into California and New Mexico most likely from ship or truck.

Scientific Classification: