Nature and Severity of Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Infestations on the Mississippi River Levee

Authors

J. T. Vogt, USDA-ARS

Abstract

Infestations of imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (Solenopsis invicta Buren) were mapped and quantified at four sites on the Mainline Mississippi River Levee in Mississippi. Smaller mounds predominated in areas of high insolation, and overall ant density (measured by above-ground mound volume and mound density) appeared to be highest at moderate insolation levels and lowest in areas of high insolation. More imported fire ant colonies were located on the levee slope than the adjoining landside berm. Despite trends in mound size and overall ant density, colonies were encountered on all parts of the levee, making adequate coverage of the infested area from the road atop the levee a primary concern in potential control programs. Severity of infestation (in some areas > 500 mounds ha-1) warrants further investigation into the physical effects of mound building on the levee and potential to impact levee performance during periods of high water.

Recommended Citation

Vogt, J. T. (2009) "Nature and Severity of Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Infestations on the Mississippi River Levee," Midsouth Entomologist: Vol. 2: No. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/midsouthent/vol2/iss2/1