The invasive ant Solenopsis invicta is established in Europe

[Summary] The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is classified as one of the worst invasive alien species1 and as the fifth costliest worldwide2, impacting ecosystems, agriculture and human health3. We report the establishment of S. invicta in Europe for the first time, documenting a mature population in Sicily. We use genetic analyses to assess its putative origin, as well as wind tracking and species distribution modelling to predict its potential range on the continent. We show that half of the urban areas in Europe are already suitable and that climate warming expected under current trends will favor the expansion of this invasive ant.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Menchetti, Mattia, Schifani, Enrico, Alicata, Antonio, Cardador, Laura, Sbrega, Elisabetta, Toro-Delgado, Eric, Vila, Roger
Other Authors: Fundación la Caixa
Format: artículo biblioteca
Language:English
Published: Cell Press 2023-09-11
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/348723
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!