Red Imported Fire Ant

Open areas such as lawns, pastures, and roadsides with dry, sunny conditions; they typically build visible earthen mounds.

Omnivorous; they eat plant matter, seeds, and various invertebrates, including other insects and spiders, and will scavenge dead animals.

Highly aggressive social insects that live in colonies with one or more queens. They are known for swarming and stinging anything that disturbs their mound.

Risks include painful stings that develop into white pustules and may cause allergic reactions. They are invasive pests that damage crops and equipment. Benefits include preying on other agricultural pests like boll weevils.