Fauna
Insect

Red Imported Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

Also known as RIFA, Fire Ant, Red Fire Ant

Red imported fire ants construct extensive subterranean colonies marked by entrance-free soil mounds, from which workers emerge through hidden underground tunnels to forage. When a nest is disturbed, hundreds of aggressive workers swarm out simultaneously, anchoring themselves with their mandibles before repeatedly injecting venom. Their ecological dominance alters native ant communities, reduces local biodiversity, and poses persistent challenges in agricultural and urban environments worldwide.

InvasiveVenomousSocial Insect
Red Imported Fire Ant reference1 / 7
(c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsects and small invertebrates, Seeds, Plant nectar and honeydew
Predators
  • Phorid flies
  • Armadillos
  • Dragonflies
ThreatsTargeted eradication programs, extreme freezing temperatures, native ant competition
HabitatsGrasslands, agricultural fields, pastures, lawns, road margins, disturbed clearings
Life spanWorkers live 1 to 6 months; queens live 2 to 7 years
Classification
  1. OrderHymenoptera
  2. FamilyFormicidae
  3. GenusSolenopsis
  4. SpeciesSolenopsis invicta
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Delivers painful stings that can trigger severe allergic reactions; avoid stepping on or disturbing soil mounds.
Why it is dangerous
Injects piperidine alkaloid venom that causes intense burning, fluid-filled pustules, and potential fatal anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by reddish-brown bodies with darker gasters, variable worker sizes, and entrance-free soil mounds in sunny areas.
What to do
Never step on mounds or touch foraging clusters; wear high boots and long pants when walking through infested areas.
Responsible observation
  • Mound Avoidance: Keep a safe distance from unadorned dirt mounds in sunny fields, as colonies defend their nests instantly.
  • First Aid Action: Wash sting sites promptly with soap and water, and seek medical attention if systemic allergic symptoms arise.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…