Tropical Fire Ant

Natural history and identification

The tropical fire ant is a widespread tropical species established in Hawaiʻi since at least the nineteenth century. It takes a variety of foods, including insects, and its feeding can affect both pests and other organisms. It must be distinguished from little fire ants, which are a different species with different identification and management needs.

Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence

Atlas occurrence category: Present — widespread. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present — widespread”. Its cited evidence source is Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee. Widespread on Kauaʻi, especially on the south and west sides; often mistaken for little fire ant.

Account coverage

Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.

Names and classification

Scientific name

Solenopsis geminata

Common names

Tropical Fire Ant

Family

Formicidae

Order

Hymenoptera

Record type

species

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present — widespread

Origin

Introduced — invasive

Conservation status

Invasive ecosystem pest

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal description

Tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) is widespread on Kauaʻi. It is larger and faster-moving than little fire ant, nests in soil mounds, and can sting people and wildlife.

Sources and further reading

• Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee
• Natural history and identification — species source