European Fire Ant

Description

Belonging to the large order Hymenoptera, myrmica rubra are a widespread ant species commonly known as the "fire ant" or "red ant." The species is known for its aggressive nature and the threat it poses against both humans and animals. Viewed as a nuisance, they are often treated with pesticides and eradicated from areas of high population. [3]

Habitat

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Native to Europe, the ant species is found in temperate or wet regions, often in areas disturbed by humans. reside in meadows, forests, and various grassy or disturbed lands. They nest in rotting wood or bark, tufts of grass or can be found in the soil or under rocks when in regions of high precipitation where rainwater is stored in the ground. They are also commonly found in vegetation along rivers. And when on non-native lands they prefer regions like moist, open meadows at high altitudes that mimic their homeland of Western Europe.

Located on 5 continents, it is one of the most widespread ant species within the Myrmicinae subfamily due to it's ability to easily adapt its physiology and behavior to suit its environment. It's range spans from Portugal to Siberia and from Northern Greece to the Forest-Tundra. Ants are commonly spread by human activity causing the species to be invasive in many regions including North America. [1]

Anatomy

Like most insects, Fire Ants' bodies are divided into three sections - the Head, Thorax and Abdomen. They also have an exoskeleton - made of chitin[4] that provides an area for the attachment of muscles and serves as a protective casing around the body.[5]

Head

The Head consists of the ant's eyes, mandibles, and a pair of elbowed or bent antennae. Fire ants have poor eye-sight and instead rely on their antennae to find food, sense their surroundings and communicate with other ants [5]. The mandibles act as arms; being able to hold and carry objects, cut, dig, and fight. They can also be used as a set of teeth, able to bite and chew food [6]. And while ants do chew their food, they are unable to digest solids and instead suck the liquid from their prey.

Thorax

The Thorax is the center section of the ant's body with 3 pairs of legs attached. While most ants do not have wings, "reproductives" do. Reproductives are produced in order for them to fly to another area and begin a nest of their own.

Abdomen

The Abdomen is the rear section of the ant's body and contains the digestive organs and stinger. The Thorax and Abdomen are connected together by 2 extensions of the abdomen called petioles.

References

[1] ER17201204_Czekes_etal.pdf. (n.d.). .

[2] antmaps.org. (n.d.). . https://antmaps.org/?mode=species&species=Myrmica.rubra.

[3] Linné, C. von, and L. Salvius. 1758. Caroli Linnaei...Systema naturae per regna tria naturae :secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Pages 1–881. Impensis Direct. Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae.

[4] Body Structure | Harvard Forest. (n.d.). . https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/ants/body-structure.

[5] Fire Ant Physiques – Ant Pests. (n.d.). . https://ant-pests.extension.org/fire-ant-physiques/.

[6] kazilek. 2009, September 22. Face to Face with Ants. Text. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/ant-anatomy.

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