Knowra Argentine ant Argentine ant The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is a small ant native to South America that forms vast interconnected colonies and displaces native ants where it invades.
Unicoloniality : A social structure in which workers from multiple nests cooperate without aggression, forming one expansive colony. Argentine ants form enormous cooperative networks that can span whole regions.
Invasive species : Organisms introduced beyond their native range that establish and cause ecological, economic, or health-related harm. The Argentine ant is a prominent example of an invasive insect.
Ant–plant mutualism : An interaction in which ants and plants benefit one another, often through food rewards and protection. Argentine ants can disrupt local ant partnerships that protect plants from herbivores.
South America : The continent containing the Argentine ant’s native range. The species is native to South America, including areas around the Río de la Plata.
Ant pheromones : Chemical signals produced by ants that influence activities such as foraging, alarm, and trail-following. Pheromone trails help Argentine ants recruit nestmates to food and coordinate movement.
Biological invasion : The spread and establishment of organisms outside their native ranges, often altering recipient ecosystems. Its movement through trade and subsequent spread exemplify biological invasion.
Seed dispersal by ants : The movement of seeds by ants, commonly when ants carry seeds bearing nutrient-rich appendages. By displacing native ants, Argentine ants can alter ant-mediated seed movement.
Río de la Plata : The broad estuary formed by the Paraná and Uruguay rivers on the southeastern coast of South America. The Argentine ant’s common name reflects its association with Argentina and this region.
Ant aggression : Hostile behavior ants direct toward other ants, often shaped by nestmate recognition and competition. Reduced aggression among distant Argentine ant nests enables their interconnected colonies.
Integrated pest management : A pest-control strategy combining monitoring, prevention, and multiple control methods to limit harm. Argentine ant control often requires coordinated methods rather than isolated treatments.
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