Dispersal of Red Imported Fire Ants by Water

Abstract

Male and female Solenopsis invicta Buren were found on a lake surface after a nuptial flight, and after another flight, dealate females believed to have drifted from the lake surface were seen constructing brood chambers on the shore. High numbers of alate and dealate female ants were found on a log jam on a river. These ants had a high rate of mortality in the laboratory, possibly due to a fungus infection resulting from wet conditions encountered while on the river. Clumps of ants from mounds submerged during floods were found on a lake and river. Some of these clumps of ants contained queens. Rivers may be important in spreading ants from infested into uninfested areas.