Publication Date

11-2024

Series Number

DPIRD-175

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

City

Perth

Abstract

The electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), also known as little fire ant, is a tiny, gold-brown coloured ant, and one of the world's most invasive pests. Electric ants prey on and compete with other insects and can displace large numbers of native animals, ants, and other insects.

They affect human health and lifestyle, can inflict painful stings on humans and wild and domestic animals, can blind pets, damage the environment, and have the potential to severely affect agricultural industries.

The electric ant is native to Central and South America and was first detected in Australia in 2006 in Queensland, where there are localised incursions. It is an introduced invasive ant species that is of great concern for Western Australia (WA).

Electric ants are a declared pest that is prohibited in WA under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Act 2007.

Number of Pages

4

Keywords

Electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), Little fire ant, Pests, Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS), Pest ants, Invasive ants

Disciplines

Agricultural Education | Agricultural Science | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Biosecurity | Entomology | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Soil Science

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