Red Imported Fire Ant

Open areas such as lawns, pastures, and roadsides where they build dome-shaped mounds in the soil.

Omnivorous; they eat plant material, seeds, and various invertebrates such as insects and worms.

Highly aggressive and social; they live in large colonies and will swarm and sting any perceived threat to their mound.

Risks include painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in humans; they are also agricultural pests. Benefits include preying on other pest insects like flea larvae and cockroaches.