Classification of RIFA
The fire ant is the common name of members of the genus, Solenopsis (Solenopsidini: Myrmiciane). Fire ants belong to the Vespoidea of the Formicidae. There are more than 10,000 species of ants in the world among which 181 species of Solenopsis are named. They are distributed in the Neotropical region (90 species), Nearctic region (18 species), and Palearctic region (45 species). Some species of Solenopsis are adapted to living in agricultural environments, and so they have become very important quarantine and agricultural pests. Because of their special colony structure, they can easily be carried around the world through international trade and commerce. This species has often become a tramp species, causing serious damage in areas it invades.
Classification of the imported fire ant in Taiwan
About 270 species of ants found in Taiwan are similar to the RIFA in terms of shape, population numbers, and ecological behavior, such as Monomorium, Pheidole, and Pheidologeton in the Myrimciane. People often confuse the classification of these species with other similar fire ant species. The number of segments of the antenna or club can be used to distinguish them. According to previous reports, there are 3 species of Solenopsis, S. indagatrix, S. tipuna, and S. geminata, found in Taiwan[?]. Solenopsis indagatrix and S. tipuna are local fire ant species, and the body sizes of these two species are smaller than that of the RIFA, and the population numbers are also less than that of the RIFA. Their colonies lack subcaste soldiers, and represent a low threat to people, animals, and the environment. Solenopsis geminata invaded Taiwan about 10 years ago, and its body size is similar to that of the RIFA. It also possesses subcaste soldiers, and soldiers show an obvious offensive reaction. Population numbers of S. geminata are lower than those of the RIFA, and it is less of a threat as its bite causes a weaker systematic allergic reaction in humans.
Morphology of the red imported fire ant
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