Fire Ants

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Fire Ant © Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

    © Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Fire Ants by Stephen Ausmus from the United States Department of Agriculture (Public Domain)

    By Stephen Ausmus from the United States Department of Agriculture (Public Domain)

Species Data

Common Name Fire ant
Scientific Name Solenopsis geminata
Spanish Name Hormiga del fuego
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Unknown © Dan Wright

Unknown

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Introduced 

Size 2-6mm length
Predators Decapitating flies
Food Herbivore (plants and seeds)
Animal Class Insect

Species Overview

Fire ant colonies build large mounds in open areas. They often attack in groups and can even kill small animals by biting them to get a grip and then stinging the animal. Fire ants are considered serious threats to the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. They can also affect agricultural activities, domestic animals, and can produce allergic reactions in humans.

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