New research is issuing a warning about the imminent arrival of one of the world’s most dreaded creatures in Britain.
The red fire ant, renowned as one of the most invasive species globally and ranking as the fifth most expensive to combat, has already found its way to Europe, according to the study’s findings.
“Invasion Warning: One of Earth’s Most Feared Creatures Heads to UK”
This invasive species is notorious for its painful and irritating sting, capable of causing pustules, allergic reactions, and even potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.
Originally hailing from South America and also known as Solenopsis invicta, the red fire ant has left a significant mark on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health in various countries worldwide.
Recent research has unveiled 88 red fire ant nests spanning over five hectares near Syracuse on the Italian island of Sicily. These colonies could have originated from either China or the US, where they are also invasive.
The study’s ecological models offer concerning predictions about the ant’s potential colonization in Europe, which could be accelerated by climate change.
“Invasion Warning: One of Earth’s Most Feared Creatures Heads to UK”
According to the study published in the journal Current Biology, the invasive species might establish itself across seven percent of Europe.
In less than a century, this ant species has spread across significant parts of the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, Taiwan, and Australia. New Zealand is among the few places where it has been eradicated. In the US alone, the presence of red fire ants has resulted in an estimated annual loss of over £5 billion.
“Invasion Warning: One of Earth’s Most Feared Creatures Heads to UK”
Countries like Australia have allocated substantial funds for its eradication efforts, albeit with limited success.
Before this study, red fire ants had been sporadically discovered in imported products in Spain, Holland, and Finland. However, their establishment on the continent had never been confirmed.
Through genetic analysis, researchers determined that the population found in Sicily likely originated in China or the US, although the precise entry route remains unknown. These colonies are situated in a suburban region of Syracuse, Sicily, which encompasses an estuary and a natural park.
Dr. Roger Vila, the study’s leader from Spain’s Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), noted that it is improbable that this area served as the ant’s initial entry point to the island, given its isolated location. The team surmises that the entry point may have been a transit area with human activity, such as the commercial port of Syracuse.
Wind direction analysis suggests that some queen ants may have arrived from the northwest, where Syracuse’s port is situated. The researchers recommend monitoring this area for the presence of these ants.
Dr. Vila emphasized that coordinated efforts for early detection and rapid response are crucial to effectively manage this new threat before it spreads uncontrollably.
Mattia Menchetti, the first author of the study, noted that the public could play a significant role in detecting S. invicta since it is often found in urban and adjacent areas. People can identify these ants through their painful stings and the characteristic mounds of their nests, although expert confirmation is necessary.
The research
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