Identifying the locations, movement and habitat of the European fire ant, Myrmica rubra : an invasive species in the urban/suburban environment of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Abstract

Myrmica rubra , also known as the European Fire Ant, is a pestiferous, invasive species in North America. It administers a painful sting and causes many residents to be unable to use their outdoor property. In this study, nest preferences in the urban/suburban environment were investigated. Habitat characteristics such as vegetation, substrate and edaphic factors were compared to nest densities. The species showed high adaptability to all nest features. However, the majority of nests were found in ground flora roots or against a hard substrate in a slightly acidic soil. This differs from nest sites in rural invaded areas where most nests are found in leaf litter or wood. A secondary study measured densities of ants using sucrose bait stations. The results were mapped using GIS and showed a correlation between locations of nests and densities in vials. An exponential increase of residents encountering this species indicates an irruption is occurring.