Red Ant in Florida: What Is It Called and Is It Dangerous?

Red ants are common throughout Florida. These insects are interesting and hard workers, but they also provide a fiery and painful bite. Red ants are generally more aggressive than black ants. Interestingly, there are two fire ant species in Florida, the red imported fire ant, and the tropical fire ant. Neither is native to Florida, and both are considered widely invasive species throughout the world.

While this is true, only one species is red, the red imported fire ant. The tropical fire ant is orange or brown. Follow along to learn more about the red ant in Florida and if it’s dangerous.

About the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)

Red imported fire ants (RIFA) are highly aggressive and territorial bright red ants. They belong to the genus Solenopsis in the subfamily Myrmicinae. These unique ants are found all over the world. They pack a powerful bite, which can cause red, itchy, and irritated red bumps. Because of their venom, when they bite humans, they leave a stinging sensation. Some people, though, are more sensitive to their venom than others. Although RIFA bites are uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous or deadly.

Size and Description

These fire ants aren’t entirely red. Male red imported fire ants are completely black. Females are red, with hints of yellow and a brown or black gaster. They range in size and color, which can make it hard to tell them apart from other red ants. Red imported fire ants are polymorphic, meaning there are 2 or more forms within the same species.

Worker ants, for example, typically measure between 0.094 and 0.236 inches. Their heads alone are 0.026 to 0.056 inches long and 0.026 to 0.056 inches wide. However, some workers are larger and their heads alone can measure between 0.053 to 0.055 inches, almost double the size of the smaller worker ants. Red imported fire ants also have slightly hairy bodies. The hairs vary in length depending on what part of the body they are on.

Queen red imported fire ants are larger than small worker ants, but can be the same size as large worker ants. Their heads are about 0.050 to 0.051 inches long and 0.052 inches wide.

Predators

Red imported fire ants know how to defend themselves, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have any predators. These tiny insects have many predators, but the specific species depend on the environment. However, the most common predators are birds, beetles, dragonflies, arachnids, and other ants. Spiders are likely the most common predator of the red imported fire ant. To defend themselves against predators, when worker ants feel threatened, especially when building a raft, they deliver higher doses of venom.

Diet

Surprisingly, red imported fire ants aren’t your usual predator. Instead, they are scavengers and foragers. They also eat both animals and plants and aren’t picky eaters. While it’s more common for these ants to forage or snack on dead animals, like roadkill, occasionally, they take down small animals together. Hatching alligators, for instance, are vulnerable to red imported fire ant attacks. Interestingly, how much they eat also varies.

When the colonies are starving, the small worker ants eat more food. However, when ant colonies are thriving, larger working ants consume more food. Worker ants can also share sugar water between nest mates. Some foods, like insect pieces, get stored underground in the driest and warmest location to consume later.

Distribution

Red imported fire ants are native to the tropical areas of Central and South America. You can find them anywhere from southeastern Peru to central Argentina. While we aren’t certain how red imported fire ants made it to the United States, experts believe they came from Argentina. These ants first came to Mobile Alabama, by cargo ship between 1933 and 1945. At the time of arrival, there were about 9 or 20 queens. Although they were considered rare, their population exploded in the 1950s. They are very common in hot southern states and negatively affect wildlife. They heavily compete with native species. The United States isn’t the only country suffering from this invasive species. Colonies have also been found in Australia, China, Taiwan, Jamaica, Aruba, and Saint Kitts. Those populations spread from the United States.

Behaviors

This species of ants have unique behaviors for their survival. They can survive heavy rainfall, flooding, and extreme droughts. For instance, if these ants sense that the water level is rising, they link up into a ball and protect the queen inside. These rafts can last for as long as 12 days. If needed, they remove the males from the raft. Ants trapped underwater can come up for air using bubbles.

Interestingly, these ants also participate in necrophobic behavior. They carry uneaten food and dead bodies out of their nests.