Search for red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Burren in New South Wales from 2004-2006
Bernie C. DominiakA,B, Peter WorsleyA, Peter S. GillespieC, Holger LöckerC, Matt KerrC and Steven O. ShattuckD
A NSW Department of Primary Industries, PMB 21, Orange, New South Wales 2800, Australia.
B The Department of Brain, Behaviour and Evolution, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
C NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, Forest Road, Orange, New South Wales 2800, Australia.
D CSIRO Entomology, PO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
Abstract
The search in New South Wales for red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Burren) as part of the national surveillance program from July 2004 to June 2006 is summarized. Extensive surveillance coupled with a public awareness campaign resulted in 1779 premises inspected with 1536 ant samples submitted for identification, including 216 from the public or as a result of contacts with the public. A total of 40 ant species were identified contributing to a revised understanding of the distribution of ants in New South Wales. Inspections of port and shipping container facilities made up 34% of activities, followed by residences (16%) and nurseries (14%). Red imported fire ants was not detected however yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes Jerdon) was confirmed at three locations.
Keywords: survey, fire ants, tramp ants, Solenopsis invicta, Anoplolepis gracilipes.
Plant Protection Quarterly (2010) 25 (1) 15-18.