Distribution of the Fire Ants Solenopsis invicta and S. geminata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Northern Florida in Relation to Habitat and Disturbance

Abstract

The occurrence of Solenopsis invicta Buren and S. geminata (F.) is almost nonoverlapping in certain natural ecotypes in north Florida. In the high, deep-sand pinelands with a deep water table, S. invicta is entirely limited to margins of seasonal ponds and heavily disturbed sites such as pastures or margins of paved or frequently graded roads. S. geminata is common throughout the longleaf pine forest, both in mature stands and clearcut replanted areas, but it is nearly absent from heavily disturbed or pond-side sites occupied by S. invicta. Solenopsis geminata is rare throughout flatwoods sites where the water table is close to the surface, and S. invicta is a common colonizer of clearcut replanted areas and of graded roadsides. S. invicta also occurs at low densities in mature flatwoods, mostly along ungraded roads. This distribution is discussed in relation to biotic and abiotic factors.