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Author: Carrias, Shirley
Email: esc008@shsu.edu
Phone: 936-294-3788
Organization: Sam Houston State University, Texas Research Institute for Envir
Address:
Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Invertebrate Toxicology Laboratory,
Huntsville,
TX,
77341
Abstract Title: THE INTRODUCED RASBERRY CRAZY ANT NYLANDERIA SP. NR. PUBENS (INSECTA: HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) AND IMPLICATIONS ON ITS RAPID SPREAD AND POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ACROSS TEXAS. E. Shirley Carrias*, Jerry L. Cook†, and Tom Rasberry‡ *Sam Houston State University, Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies. Invertebrate Toxicology Laboratory, Huntsville, Texas, U.S.A. †Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, U.S.A. ‡ Budget Pest Control, Pearland, Texas U.S.A.
Abstract Text: The Rasberry crazy ant, Nylanderia sp. nr. pubens (recently Paratrechina) is an exotic species that was initially detected by Tom Rasberry in Harris County (Pasadena), Texas in 2002. Since its introduction into Texas, its populations have increased such that, to date, it has spread to at least 18 counties; and has also been confirmed in Louisiana and Mississippi. However, this is a semi-tropical species, so the potential for northern introductions and establishment are unlikely and limited by cool weather trends. Rasberry crazy ants are social insects that have a tendency to occur in large numbers, but display no intercolonial aggression. Nesting occurs in a variety of outdoor habitats (i.e. rotting wood, debris, potted plants, vehicles, and other structures). This is a successful species that have been known to outcompete and eliminate entire colonies of the Red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta in heavily infected local areas. Currently, there is little known of the biology or control of the Rasberry crazy ant. It is known however, that they are not controlled by most commercial bait products. The few products that are effective at reducing populations only do so for short periods of time, allowing for population rebounds. Herein, we document the confirmed infestations and spread of this species since its introduction into Texas in 2002, and discuss its long term potential negative economic and wildlife impacts.
Conference
Year: TIPPC_2011
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular):
Session: 3. Control and Management
Submission Date: 2011-09-15
