Occurrence, distribution and spreading of imported red fire ant(Solenopsis invicta Buren) in Xinluo district, Longyan, Fujian

The imported red fire ant (IRFA),Solenopsis invicta Buren,is a notorious,dangerous invader species in the world. An investigation was carried out on IRFA in Dachi Town,Xinluo District,Longyan,Fujian. The study included the invader's origins,occurrence,distribution,hazard-spreading,infested habitats and colony density,as well as size of their mounds. Survey results showed that IRFA was initially from a local plastics recycling factory. Five years ago,the factory purchased waste plastic bags from Guangdong that brought IRFA into the region. The ants spread 53-297 m in diameter from the quarantined area. The distribution of IRFA was affected by factors,such as sunlight,degree of human disturbance and habitat types.