Editing Red imported fire ant (section)

==Distribution and habitat==
[[File:Solenopsis invicta distribution.svg|thumbnail|230px|The native range of ''S. invicta'']]

Red imported fire ants are native to the tropical areas of central South America, where they have an expansive geographical range that extends from southeastern Peru to central Argentina, and to the south of Brazil.<ref name="Wetterer_2013">{{cite journal|last=Wetterer|first=J.K.|title=Exotic spread of ''Solenopsis invicta'' (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) beyond North America|journal=Sociobiology|volume=60|year=2013|pages=50–55|doi=10.13102/sociobiology.v60i1.50-55}}</ref><ref name="Allen_et_al_1974"/><ref name="Mescher_et_al_2003"/><ref name="Noordijk_2010">{{cite web|last1=Noordijk|first1=J.|title=A risk analysis for fire ants in the Netherlands|url=http://www.eis-nederland.nl/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?command=core_download&entryid=334&language=nl-NL&PortalId=4&TabId=563|publisher=Leiden: Stichting European Invertebrate Survey|access-date=5 April 2016|page=15|date=2010|archive-date=20 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020192320/http://www.eis-nederland.nl/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?command=core_download&entryid=334&language=nl-NL&PortalId=4&TabId=563|url-status=dead}}</ref> In contrast to its geographical range in North America, its range in South America is significantly different. It has an extremely long north–south range, but a very narrow east–west distribution. The northernmost record of the red imported fire ant is [[Porto Velho]] in Brazil, and its southernmost record is [[Resistencia, Chaco|Resistencia]] in Argentina; this is a distance of about {{convert|3000|km|mi|abbr=on}}. In comparison, the width of its narrow range is about {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and this is most likely narrower into southern Argentina and Paraguay and into the northern areas of the Amazon River basin.<ref name="Buren_et_al_1974">{{cite journal|last1=Buren|first1=W.F.|last2=Allen|first2=G.E.|last3=Whitcomb|first3=W.H.|last4=Lennartz|first4=F.E.|last5=Williams|first5=R.N.|title=Zoogeography of the imported fire ants|journal=Journal of the New York Entomological Society|date=1974|volume=82|issue=2|pages=113–124|jstor=25008914}}</ref> Most known records of the red imported fire ant are around the [[Pantanal|Pantanal region]] of Brazil. However, the interior of this area has not been examined thoroughly, but it is certain that the species occurs in favourable locations around it. The Pantanal region is thought to be the original homeland of the red imported fire ant; [[Biological dispersal|hydrochore dispersal]] via floating ant rafts could easily account for the far south populations around the [[Paraguay River|Paraguay]] and [[Guaporé River]]s. The western extent of its range is not known exactly, but its abundance there may be limited. It may be extensive in easternmost Bolivia, owing to the presence of the Pantanal region.<ref name="Buren_et_al_1974"/>

These ants are native to Argentina, and the red imported fire ant most likely came from here when they first invaded the United States; in particular, populations of these ants have been found in the provinces of [[Chaco Province|Chaco]], [[Corrientes Province|Corrientes]], [[Formosa Province|Formosa]], [[Santiago del Estero Province|Santiago del Estero]], [[Santa Fe Province|Santa Fe]], and [[Tucumán Province|Tucumán]].<ref name="Trager_1991"/><ref name="Buren_et_al_1974"/><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Caldera|first1=E.J.|last2=Ross|first2=K.G.|last3=DeHeer|first3=Ch.J.|last4=Shoemaker|first4=D. D..|title=Putative native source of the invasive fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' in the USA|journal=Biological Invasions|date=2008|volume=10|issue=8|pages=1457–1479|doi=10.1007/s10530-008-9219-0|bibcode=2008BiInv..10.1457C |s2cid=4471306}}</ref> The northeastern regions of Argentina are the most credible guess where the invading ants originate.<ref name="Mescher_et_al_2003">{{cite journal|last1=Mescher|first1=M.C.|last2=Ross|first2=K.G.|last3=Shoemaker|first3=D.D.|last4=Keller|first4=L.|last5=Krieger|first5=M.J. B.|title=Distribution of the two social forms of the fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the native South American range|journal=Annals of the Entomological Society of America|date=2003|volume=96|issue=6|pages=810–817|doi=10.1603/0013-8746(2003)096[0810:DOTTSF]2.0.CO;2|s2cid=41810551 |url=https://app.amanote.com/v4.1.8/research/note-taking?resourceId=9afGAXQBKQvf0BhiGYit }}</ref> In Brazil, they are found in northern Mato Grosso and in [[Rondônia]] and in [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo state]]. The red imported fire ant and ''S. saevissima'' are [[Parapatric speciation|parapatric]] in Brazil, with contact zones known in [[Mato Grosso do Sul]], [[Paraná (state)|Paraná state]] and São Paulo.<ref name="Allen_et_al_1974">{{cite journal|last1=Allen|first1=G. E.|last2=Buren|first2=W. F.|last3=Williams|first3=R. N.|last4=Menezes|first4=M. D.|last5=Whitcomb|first5=W. H.|title=The red imported fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta''; distribution and habitat in Mato Grosso, Brazil|journal=Annals of the Entomological Society of America|date=1974|volume=67|issue=1|pages=43–46|doi=10.1093/aesa/67.1.43}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Pesquero|first1=M.A.|last2=Dias|first2=A.M.P.M|title=Geographical transition zone of ''Solenopsis'' fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and ''Pseudacteon'' fly parasitoids (Diptera: Phoridae) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil|journal=Neotropical Entomology|date=2011|volume=40|issue=6|pages=647–652|doi=10.1590/S1519-566X2011000600003|pmid=23939270|doi-access=free}}</ref> In Paraguay they are found throughout the country, and have been recorded in [[Boquerón department|Boquerón]], [[Caaguazú Department|Caaguazú]], [[Canindeyú Department|Canindeyú]], [[Central Department|Central]], [[Guairá Department|Guairá]], [[Ñeembucú Department|Ñeembucú]], [[Paraguarí Department|Paraguarí]], and [[Presidente Hayes Department|Presidente Hayes]] departments; Trager claims that the ant is distributed in all regions of the country.<ref name="AW_S. invicta">{{cite web |url=https://www.antweb.org/description.do?rank=species&name=invicta&genus=solenopsis&project=null|title=Species: ''Solenopsis invicta'' Buren, 1972 |work=AntWeb|publisher=The California Academy of Sciences|access-date=5 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wild|first1=A.L.|title=A catalogue of the ants of Paraguay (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)|journal=Zootaxa|date=2007|volume=1622|pages=1–55|url=http://www.antwiki.net/wiki/images/c/cd/Wild_2007b.pdf|issn=1175-5334|doi=10.11646/zootaxa.1622.1.1}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Santschi|first1=F.|title=''Solenopsis'' et autres fourmis néotropicales|journal=[[Revue suisse de Zoologie]]|date=1923|volume=30|issue=8|pages=245–273|doi=10.5281/ZENODO.14217}}</ref> They are also found in a large portion of northeastern Bolivia and, to a lesser extent, in northwestern Uruguay.<ref name="Buren_et_al_1974"/><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ahrens|first1=M.E.|last2=Ross|first2=K.G.|last3=Shoemaker|first3=D.D.|title=Phylogeographic structure of the fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' in its native South American range: roles of natural barriers and habitat connectivity|journal=Evolution|date=2005|volume=59|issue=8|pages=1733–1743|doi=10.1111/j.0014-3820.2005.tb01822.x|pmid=16329243|s2cid=34788394 |url=https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/39379/publications/ahrens_ross_shoemaker_2005.pdf }}</ref>

[[Image:Redant.JPG|thumb|250px|left|Exposed red imported fire ant mound]]
The red imported fire ant is able to dominate altered areas and live in a variety of habitats. It can survive the extreme weather of the South American rain forest, and in disturbed areas, nests are seen frequently alongside roads and buildings.<ref name="CABI_2014"/>{{sfn|Taber|2000|p=28}} The ant has been observed frequently around the [[floodplains]] of the Paraguay River.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Cokendolpher|first1=J.C.|last2=Phillips|first2=S.A. Jr.|title=Rate of spread of the red imported fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'' (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Texas|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_southwestern-naturalist_1989-09_34_3/page/443|journal=The Southwestern Naturalist|date=1989|volume=34|issue=3|pages=443–449|doi=10.2307/3672182|jstor=3672182|bibcode=1989SWNat..34..443C }}</ref> In areas where water is present, they are commonly found around: irrigation channels, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams, riverbanks, and mangrove swamps.<ref name="AW_S. invicta"/><ref name="CABI_2014"/> Nests are found in agricultural areas, coastlands, wetlands, coastal dune remnants, deserts, forests, grasslands, natural forests, oak woodland, [[mesic habitat|mesic forest]], leaf-litter, [[Wash margin|beach margin]]s, shrublands, alongside rail and roads, and in urban areas.<ref name="ISSG_2010">{{cite web|title=''Solenopsis invicta'' (insect)|url=http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=77|work=Global Invasive Species Database|publisher=Invasive Species Specialist Group|access-date=2 April 2016|date=2010|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182231/http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=77|url-status=dead}}</ref> In particular, they are found in cultivated land, managed forests and plantations, disturbed areas, intensive livestock production systems, and greenhouses.<ref name="CABI_2014"/>{{sfn|Buhs|2005|p=12}} Red imported fire ants have been found to invade buildings, including medical facilities.<ref name="Kemp_et_al_2000">{{cite journal|last1=Kemp|first1=S.F.|last2=deShazo|first2=R.D.|last3=Moffitt|first3=J.E.|last4=Williams|first4=D.F.|last5=Buhner|first5=W.A.|title=Expanding habitat of the imported fire ant (''Solenopsis invicta''): a public health concern|journal=The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology|date=2000|volume=105|issue=4|pages=683–691|doi=10.1067/mai.2000.105707|pmid=10756216|s2cid=8280947|doi-access=free}}</ref> In urban areas, colonies dwell in open areas, especially if the area is sunny.<ref name="Kemp_et_al_2000"/> This includes: urban gardens, picnic areas, lawns, playgrounds, schoolyards, parks, and golf courses.<ref name="AW_S. invicta"/><ref name="Kemp_et_al_2000"/> In some areas, there are on average 200 mounds per acre.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Desforges|first1=J.F.|last2=deShazo|first2=R.D.|last3=Butcher|first3=B.T.|last4=Banks|first4=W.A.|title=Reactions to the stings of the imported fire ant|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|date=1990|volume=323|issue=7|pages=462–466|doi=10.1056/NEJM199008163230707|pmid=2197555}}</ref> During winter, colonies move under pavements or into buildings, and newly mated queens move into pastures.<ref name="CABI_2014">{{cite web|title=''Solenopsis invicta'' (red imported fire ant)|url=http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/50569|work=Invasive Species Compendium|publisher=CABI|access-date=12 April 2016|date=2014}}</ref><ref name="Kemp_et_al_2000"/> Red imported fire ants are mostly found at altitudes between {{convert|5|and|145|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name="AW_S. invicta"/>

Mounds range from small to large, measuring {{convert|10|to|60|cm|in|abbr=on}} in height and {{convert|46|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter with no visible entrances.<ref name="CABI_2014"/><ref name="FC-RIFA">{{cite web|last1=Collins|first1=L.|last2=Scheffrahn|first2=R.H.|work=UF/IFAS Featured Creatures|publisher=University of Florida|url=http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/ants/red_imported_fire_ant.htm |title=Red imported fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'' Buren|date=2001|access-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921211110/http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/ants/red_imported_fire_ant.htm|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> Workers are only able to access their nests through a series of tunnels that protrude from the central region. Such protrusions can span up to 25 feet away from the central mound, either straight down in to the ground or, more commonly, sideways from the original mound.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.terminix.com/blog/education/what-is-an-ant-colony/|title=Ant Colonies and Social Structure {{!}} Terminix|website=www.terminix.com|language=en|access-date=2019-11-19}}</ref> Constructed from soil, mounds are oriented so that the long portions of the mound face toward the sun during the early morning and before sunset.<ref name="CABI_2014"/><ref name="FC-RIFA"/> Mounds are usually oval-shaped with the long axis of the nest orientating itself in a north–south direction.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hubbard|first1=M.D.|last2=Cunningham|first2=W.G.|title=Orientation of mounds in the ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae)|journal=Insectes Sociaux|date=1977|volume=24|issue=1|pages=3–7|doi=10.1007/BF02223276|s2cid=5851856}}</ref> These ants also spend large amounts of energy in nest construction and transporting brood, which is related with [[thermoregulation]]. The brood is transported to areas where temperatures are high; workers track temperature patterns of the mound and do not rely on behavioural habits.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Penick|first1=C.A.|last2=Tschinkel|first2=W. R.|title=Thermoregulatory brood transport in the fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta''|journal=Insectes Sociaux|date=2008|volume=55|issue=2|pages=176–182|doi=10.1007/s00040-008-0987-4|s2cid=15284230}}</ref> Inside nests, mounds contain a series of narrow horizontal tunnels, with subterranean shafts and nodes reaching grass roots {{convert|10|to|20|cm|in|abbr=on}} below the surface; these shafts and nodes connect the mound tunnels to the subterranean chambers. These chambers are about 5&nbsp;cm<sup>2</sup> (0.77 inch<sup>2</sup>) and reach depths of {{convert|10|to|80|cm|in|abbr=on}}. The mean number of ants in a single subterranean chamber is around 200.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Cassill|first1=D.|last2=Tschinkel|first2=W.R.|last3=Vinson|first3=S.B.|title=Nest complexity, group size and brood rearing in the fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta''|journal=Insectes Sociaux|date=2002|volume=49|issue=2|pages=158–163|doi=10.1007/s00040-002-8296-9|hdl=10806/3290|s2cid=13938249}}</ref>{{sfn|Taber|2000|p=29}}{{sfn|Taber|2000|p=31}}

===Introductions===
{{See also|Red imported fire ants in the United States|Red imported fire ants in Australia}}
Red imported fire ants are among the [[List of globally invasive species|worst invasive species]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issg.org/database/species/search.asp?st=100ss|title=100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species|work=Global Invasive Species Database|publisher=Invasive Species Specialist Group|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mooallem|first1=J.|title=There's a Reason They Call Them 'Crazy Ants'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/magazine/crazy-ants.html?_r=0|access-date=23 August 2016|work=The New York Times|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> Some scientists consider the red imported fire ant to be a "[[Disturbance (ecology)|disturbance]] specialist"; human disturbance to the environment may be a major factor behind the ants' impact (fire ants tend to favour disturbed areas). This is shown through one experiment, demonstrating that mowing and plowing in studied areas diminished the diversity and abundance of native ant species, whereas red imported fire ants found on undisturbed forest plots had only diminished a couple of species.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fountain|first1=H.|title=Fire Ants Win Out Through Land Changes, Not a Better Build|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/science/09obants.html|access-date=31 October 2016|work=The New York Times|date=8 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=King|first1=J.R.|last2=Tschinkel|first2=W.R.|title=Experimental evidence that human impacts drive fire ant invasions and ecological change|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|date=2008|volume=105|issue=51|pages=20339–20343|doi=10.1073/pnas.0809423105|pmid=19064909|pmc=2629336|bibcode=2008PNAS..10520339K|doi-access=free}}</ref>

In the United States, the red imported fire ant first arrived in the seaport of [[Mobile, Alabama]], by cargo ship between 1933 and 1945.{{refn|Some sources suggest they first arrived in 1929.{{sfn|Capinera|2008|p=3116}}|group = lower-alpha}}{{refn|Red imported fire ants most likely reached [[New Orleans]] in [[Louisiana]], as well, but the presence of [[Argentine ant]]s there prevented the ants from settling and spreading.{{sfn|Buhs|2005|p=20}}|group = lower-alpha}}<ref name="Buren_et_al_1974"/><ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/1313420 |last1=Wilcove |first1=D.S. |last2=Rothstein |first2=D. |last3=Dubow |first3=J. |last4=Phillips |first4=A. |last5=Losos |first5=E. |title=Quantifying threats to imperiled species in the United States |journal=BioScience |date=1998 |volume=48 |issue=8 |pages=607–615 |url=http://www.edf.org/documents/836_bioscience.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812042303/http://www.edf.org/documents/836_bioscience.pdf |archive-date=12 August 2011 |jstor=1313420 |s2cid=7168138 }}</ref>{{sfn|Tschinkel|2006|p=28}}{{sfn|Buhs|2005|p=9}} Arriving with an estimated 9 to 20 unrelated queens,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fountain|first1=H.|title=Tracing an Ant Invasion to a Handful of Queens|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/science/08obants.html|access-date=2 November 2016|work=The New York Times|date=8 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ross|first1=K.G|last2=Shoemaker|first2=D.D.|title=Estimation of the number of founders of an invasive pest insect population: the fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' in the USA|journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|date=2008|volume=275|issue=1648|pages=2231–2240|doi=10.1098/rspb.2008.0412|pmid=18577505|pmc=2603238}}</ref> the red imported fire ant was only rare at the time, as entomologists were unable to collect any specimens (with the earliest observations first made in 1942, preceded by a population expansion in 1937); the population of these ants exploded by the 1950s.{{sfn|Tschinkel|2006|p=25}}{{sfn|Buhs|2005|p=23}}<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Adkins|first1=H.G.|title=The imported fire ant in the Southern United States|journal=Annals of the Association of American Geographers|date=1970|volume=60|issue=3|pages=578–592|doi=10.1111/j.1467-8306.1970.tb00742.x}}</ref> Since its introduction to the United States, the red imported fire ant has spread throughout the southern states and northeastern Mexico, negatively affecting wildlife and causing economic damage.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/><ref name="Epperson_Allen_2010">{{cite journal|last1=Epperson|first1=D.M.|last2=Allen|first2=C.R.|title=Red imported fire ant impacts on upland arthropods in southern Mississippi|journal=The American Midland Naturalist|date=2010|volume=163|issue=1|pages=54–63|doi=10.1674/0003-0031-163.1.54|bibcode=2010AMNat.163...54E |s2cid=12992133|url=http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1188&context=ncfwrustaff|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Callcott|first1=A.-M.|last2=Collins|first2=H.L.|title=Invasion and range expansion of imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in North America from 1918–1995|journal=The Florida Entomologist|date=1996|volume=79|issue=2|pages=240–251|doi=10.2307/3495821|jstor=3495821}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Korzukhin|first1=M.D.|last2=Porter|first2=S.D.|last3=Thompson|first3=L.C.|last4=Wiley|first4=S.|title=Modeling temperature-dependent range limits for the fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the United States|journal=Environmental Entomology|date=2001|volume=30|issue=4|pages=645–655|doi=10.1603/0046-225X-30.4.645|s2cid=53065271|url=http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/60360510/publications/Korzukhin_et_al-2001(M-3616).pdf}}</ref> The expansion of red imported fire ants may be limited since they are almost wiped out during [[Tennessee]] winters, thus they may be reaching their northernmost range.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Callcott|first1=A.-M.|last2=Oi|first2=D.H.|last3=Collins|first3=H.L.|last4=Williams|first4=D.F.|last5=Lockley|first5=T.C.|title=Seasonal studies of an isolated red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) population in eastern Tennessee|journal=Environmental Entomology|date=2000|volume=29|issue=4|pages=788–794|doi=10.1603/0046-225X-29.4.788|s2cid=53073021|url=http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/60360510/publications/Callcott_et_al-2000(M-3515).pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Pimm|first1=S.L.|last2=Bartell|first2=D.P.|title=Statistical model for predicting range expansion of the red imported fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'', in Texas|journal=Environmental Entomology|date=1980|volume=9|issue=5|pages=653–658|doi=10.1093/ee/9.5.653}}</ref>{{sfn|Capinera|2008|pp=2034–2035}} However, global warming may allow the red imported fire ant to expand its geographical range.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Morrison|first1=L.W.|last2=Korzukhin|first2=M.D.|last3=Porter|first3=S.D.|title=Predicted range expansion of the invasive fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'', in the eastern United States based on the VEMAP global warming scenario|journal=Diversity and Distributions|date=2005|volume=11|issue=3|pages=199–204|doi=10.1111/j.1366-9516.2005.00142.x|s2cid=46089176|doi-access=free|bibcode=2005DivDi..11..199M }}</ref> As of 2004, the ant is found in 13 states and occupies over 128&nbsp;million hectares of land, and as many as 400 mounds can be found on a single acre of land.<ref name="Morrison_et_al_2004">{{cite journal|last1=Morrison|first1=L.W.|last2=Porter|first2=S.D.|last3=Daniels|first3=E.|last4=Korzukhin|first4=M.D.|title=Potential global range expansion of the invasive fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta''|journal=Biological Invasions|date=2004|volume=6|issue=2|pages=183–191|doi=10.1023/B:BINV.0000022135.96042.90|bibcode=2004BiInv...6..183M |s2cid=9973667|url=https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/60360510/docs/fire_ant_range_paper_global.pdf }}</ref>{{sfn|Buhs|2005|p=5}} The [[United States Department of Agriculture]] estimates that they expand {{convert|120|mi|km|0}} westward per year.<ref name="Kemp_et_al_2000"/> Likely due to absence of South American competitors{{px2}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}and lower numbers of native competitors{{px2}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}''S. invicta'' dominates more [[extra-floral nectary|extrafloral nectaries]] and [[hemiptera]]n [[honeydew (secretion)|honeydew]] sources in the Southern U.S. than in its home range.<ref name="Wilder-et-al-2011" />

Red imported fire ants were first discovered in [[Queensland]], Australia, in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red imported fire ant - ''Solenopsis invicta''|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/insects-and-other-invertebrates/tramp-ants/red-imported-fire|work=Department of the Environment|publisher=Government of Australia|access-date=21 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921212846/http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/insects-and-other-invertebrates/tramp-ants/red-imported-fire|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=McCubbin|first1=K.I.|last2=Weiner|first2=J.M.|title=Fire ants in Australia: a new medical and ecological hazard.|journal=The Medical Journal of Australia|date=2002|volume=176|issue=11|pages=518–519|pmid=12064981|doi=10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04547.x|s2cid=43444266}}</ref> The ants were believed to be present in shipping containers arriving at the [[Port of Brisbane]], most likely from North America.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Henshaw|first1=Michael T|last2=Kunzmann|first2=N.|last3=Vanderwoude|first3=C.|last4=Sanetra|first4=M.|last5=Crozier|first5=R.H|title=Population genetics and history of the introduced fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'' Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Australia|journal=Australian Journal of Entomology|date=2005|volume=44|issue=1|pages=37–44|doi=10.1111/j.1440-6055.2005.00421.x}}</ref> Anecdotal evidence suggests fire ants may have been present in Australia for six to eight years prior to formal identification. The potential damage from the red imported fire ant prompted the Australian government to respond rapidly. A joint state and federal funding of [[Australian dollar|A$]]175 million was granted for a six-year eradication programme.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Condon|first1=M.|title=Queensland launched a war against the fire ant invasion, but 12 years later, they're still on the march|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-launched-a-war-against-the-fire-ant-invasion-but-12-years-later-they8217re-still-on-the-march/story-fnihsrf2-1226686256021|access-date=30 December 2014|work=The Courier Mail|date=27 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Willis|first1=P.|title=Fire ant update|url=http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s1853271.htm|access-date=4 May 2015|work=ABC News|date=22 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921213959/http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s1853271.htm|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=National fire ant eradication program|url=http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_4551_ENA_HTML.htm|work=Department of Primary Industries|publisher=Government of Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021200606/http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_4551_ENA_HTML.htm|archive-date=21 October 2009 |date=2007}}</ref> Following years of eradication, eradication rates of greater than 99% from previously infested properties were reported. The program received extended [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] funding of around A$10&nbsp;million for at least another two years to treat the residual infestations found most recently.<ref>{{cite web|title=Importation of Red Imported Fire Ants ''Solenopsis invicta'' Buren 1972 - profile|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=20021|publisher=Government of NSW|access-date=5 May 2015|date=2014|work=Office of Environment and Heritage|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921214235/http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=20021|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> In December 2014, a nest was identified at [[Port Botany, New South Wales|Port Botany]], [[Sydney]], in [[New South Wales]]. The port was quarantined, and a removal operation took place.<ref>{{cite news |last=Creedon|first=K.|date=4 December 2014|title=Race against time to quarantine Sydney outbreak of red fire ants |url=http://www.9news.com.au/national/2014/12/04/17/25/deadly-fire-ants-found-in-sydney |newspaper=9 News|location=Sydney, Australia|access-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921213620/http://www.9news.com.au/national/2014/12/04/17/25/deadly-fire-ants-found-in-sydney|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> In September 2015, populations originating from the United States were found at a Brisbane airport.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Australian Associated Press|title=US fire ants found at Brisbane airport|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/02/25/us-fire-ants-found-brisbane-airport|access-date=23 August 2016|work=SBS News|date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921214428/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/02/25/us-fire-ants-found-brisbane-airport|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> Hundreds of millions of dollars have since been allocated to their eradication. In August 2023, the Invasive Species Council said that without additional funding, fire ants would probably spread into northern New South Wales and west, potentially into the Murray Darling Basin.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-07/invasive-species-council-fire-ants-winning-funding-shortfall/102693336 | title=Fire ants winning battle against eradication due to 'bureaucratic delays', says Invasive Species Council | date=7 August 2023 | first=Dominic | last=Cansdale| website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] }}</ref>

[[File:S. invicta mounds found alongside road.jpg|thumb|Mounds found alongside a road in the United States]]

Red imported fire ants have spread beyond North America. The [[Invasive Species Specialist Group]] (ISSG) reports the ant inhabiting at least three of the [[Cayman Islands]]. However, the sources the ISSG cited give no report about them on the island, but recent collections indicate that they are present.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/> In 2001, red imported fire ants were discovered in New Zealand, but they were successfully eradicated several years later.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Moloney|first1=S.|last2=Vanderwoude|first2=C.|title=Red imported fire ants: A threat to eastern Australia's wildlife?|journal=Ecological Management and Restoration|date=2002|volume=3|issue=3|pages=167–175|doi=10.1046/j.1442-8903.2002.t01-1-00109.x|bibcode=2002EcoMR...3..167M |s2cid=54926916}}</ref> Red imported fire ants have been reported in India,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Rajagopal|first1=T.|last2=Sevarkodiyone|first2=S.P.|last3=Sekar|first3=M.|title=Ant species richness, diversity and similarity index at five selected localities of Sattur Taluk|journal=Indian Journal of Environmental Education|date=2005|volume=5|pages=7–12|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233881791}}</ref> Malaysia,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Na|first1=J.P.S.|last2=Lee|first2=C.Y.|title=Identification key to common urban pest ants in Malaysia|journal=Tropical Biomedicine|date=2001|volume=18|issue=1|pages=1–17|url=http://www.chowyang.com/uploads/2/4/3/5/24359966/037.pdf}}</ref> the Philippines<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kuo|first1=K.C.|title=Management of Red Invasive Fire Ants and Fruit Flies: The Taiwan Experience|date=2008|publisher=Food & Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC)|location=Taipei, Taiwan|page=1|url=http://www.agnet.org/htmlarea_file/library/20110712175158/eb615.pdf}}</ref> and Singapore.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/> However, these reports were found to be incorrect as the ants collected there were incorrectly identified as the red imported fire ant. In Singapore, the ants were most likely misidentified as well. In India, surveyed ants in [[Sattur taluk]], India listed the red imported fire ant there in high populations; meanwhile, no reports of the ant were made outside the surveyed area. In 2016, scientists state that despite no presence of the ant in India, the red imported fire ant will more than likely find suitable habitats within India's ecosystem if given the opportunity.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bharti|first1=H.|last2=Guénard|first2=B.|last3=Bharti|first3=M.|last4=Economo|first4=E.P.|title=An updated checklist of the ants of India with their specific distributions in Indian states (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)|journal=ZooKeys|date=2016|issue=551|pages=1–83|doi=10.3897/zookeys.551.6767|pmid=26877665|pmc=4741291|doi-access=free|bibcode=2016ZooK..551....1B }}</ref> The reports in the Philippines most likely misidentified collected material as the red imported fire ant, as no populations have been found there.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/> It was, however, positively identified in [[Hong Kong]] and mainland China in 2004, where they have spread into several provinces as well as [[Macau]] and Taiwan.{{sfn|Tschinkel|2006|p=72}}<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wang|first1=L.|last2=Yongyue|first2=L.|last3=Yijuan|first3=X.|last4=Ling|first4=Z.|title=The current status of research on ''Solenopsis invicta'' Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in mainland China|journal=Asian Myrmecology|date=2013|volume=5|pages=125–137|url=http://www.asian-myrmecology.org/publications/am05_127-137_lei-etal_2013.pdf|issn=1985-1944}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zeng|first1=L.|last2=Lu|first2=Y.Y.|last3=He|first3=X.F.|last4=Zhang|first4=W.Q.|last5=Liang|first5=G.W.|title=Identification of red imported fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' to invade mainland China and infestation in Wuchuan, Guangdong|journal=Chinese Bulletin of Entomology|date=2005|volume=42|issue=2|pages=144–148|issn=0452-8255}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=R.|last2=Li|first2=Y.|last3=Liu|first3=N.|last4=Porter|first4=S.D.|title=An overview of the red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Mainland China|journal=The Florida Entomologist|date=2007|volume=90|issue=4|pages=723–731|url=http://naldc-legacy.nal.usda.gov/naldc/download.xhtml?id=9499&content=PDF|doi=10.1653/0015-4040(2007)90[723:aootri]2.0.co;2|s2cid=73532042 |access-date=12 April 2016|df=dmy-all|doi-access=free}}</ref> No geographic or climatic barriers prevent these ants from spreading further, thus it may spread throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.<ref name="Morrison_et_al_2004"/><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Sutherst|first1=R.W.|last2=Maywald|first2=G.|title=A climate model of the red imported fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'' Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): implications for invasion of new regions, particularly Oceania|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_environmental-entomology_2005-04_34_2/page/317|journal=Environmental Entomology|date=2005|volume=34|issue=2|pages=317–335|doi=10.1603/0046-225X-34.2.317|s2cid=85951260|doi-access=free}}</ref> In Europe, a single nest was found in the Netherlands in 2002.<ref name="Noordijk_2010"/> For the first time, in 2023, ant colonies have been found in Europe.<ref name="Menchetti_2023">{{cite journal |last1=Menchetti |first1=Mattia |last2=Schifani |first2=Enrico |last3=Alicata |first3=Antonio |last4=Cardador |first4=Laura |last5=Sbrega |first5=Elisabetta |last6=Toro-Delgado |first6=Eric |last7=Vila |first7=Roger |title=The invasive ant ''Solenopsis invicta'' is established in Europe |journal=Current Biology |date=September 2023 |volume=33 |issue=17 |pages=R896–R897 |doi=10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.036|pmid=37699343 |s2cid=261688271 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2023CBio...33R.896M }}</ref>

Around 1980, red imported fire ants began spreading throughout the [[West Indies]], where they were first reported in [[Puerto Rico]] and the [[U.S. Virgin Islands]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Buren|first1=W.F.|title=Red imported fire ant now in Puerto Rico|journal=The Florida Entomologist|date=1982|volume=65|issue=1|pages=188–189|doi=10.2307/3494163|jstor=3494163}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wetterer|first1=J.K.|last2=Snelling|first2=R.R.|title=The red imported fire ant, ''Solenopsis invicta'', in the Virgin Islands (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)|journal=The Florida Entomologist|date=2006|volume=89|issue=4|pages=431–434|url=http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/00/09/88/13/00011/00011.pdf|doi=10.1653/0015-4040(2006)89[431:TRIFAS]2.0.CO;2|s2cid=85996855 }}</ref> Between 1991 and 2001, the ant was recorded from Trinidad and Tobago, several areas in the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/><ref>{{cite book|last1=Deyrup|first1=M.|last2=Davis|first2=L.|last3=Buckner|first3=S.|title=Composition of the Ant Fauna of Three Bahamian Islands|publisher=Proceedings of the 7th Symposium on the Natural History of the Bahamas|date=1998|page=27|location=San Salvador|url=http://www.geraceresearchcentre.com/pdfs/7thNatHist/23_DeyrupDavisBuckner_7thNatHist.pdf|isbn=978-0-935909-66-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Davis|first1=L.R.|last2=Vander Meer|first2=R.K.|last3=Porter|first3=S.D.|title=Red imported fire ants expand their range across the West Indies|journal=The Florida Entomologist|date=2001|volume=84|issue=4|pages=735|doi=10.2307/3496416|url=http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe84p735.pdf|jstor=3496416 |archive-date=25 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125122748/http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe84p735.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since then, red imported fire ants have been recorded on more islands and regions, with new populations discovered in: [[Anguilla]], [[Saint Martin (island)|Saint Martin]], [[Barbuda]], [[Montserrat]], [[Saint Kitts]], [[Nevis]], [[Aruba]], and Jamaica.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/> The ants recorded from Aruba and Jamaica have only been found on golf courses; these courses import [[sod]] from [[Florida]], so such importation may be an important way for the ant to spread throughout the West Indies.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/>

Populations found outside North America originate from the United States. In 2011, the DNA of specimens from Australia, China, and Taiwan was analysed with results showing that they are related to those in the United States.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ascunce|first1=M.S.|last2=Yang|first2=C.-C.|last3=Oakey|first3=J.|last4=Calcaterra|first4=L.|last5=Wu|first5=W.-J.|last6=Shih|first6=C.-J.|last7=Goudet|first7=J.|last8=Ross|first8=K.G.|last9=Shoemaker|first9=D.|title=Global invasion history of the fire ant ''Solenopsis invicta''|journal=Science|date=2011|volume=331|issue=6020|pages=1066–1068|doi=10.1126/science.1198734|pmid=21350177|bibcode=2011Sci...331.1066A|s2cid=28149214|url=http://era.daf.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/6693/ }}</ref> Despite the spread of the red imported fire ant (''S. invicta''), ''[[Solenopsis geminata|S. geminata]]'' has a greater geographical range, but it can be easily displaced by ''S. invicta''. Because of this, almost all of ''S. geminata'''s exotic range in North America has been lost and it has almost disappeared there. On roadsides in Florida, 83% of these sites had ''S. geminata'' present when the red imported fire ant was absent, but only 7% when it is present.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/> This means that the ant can probably invade many tropical and subtropical regions where ''S. geminata'' populations are present.<ref name="Wetterer_2013"/>