In Croix-Valmer, a homeowner discovered invasive electric ants, or Wasmannia auropunctata, alarming both him and experts due to their painful stings and significant ecological threat. First identified in France in 2022, these South American ants have spread globally and pose risks to local biodiversity by displacing native species. Their rapid reproduction and dense populations exacerbate concerns about their impact on ecosystems, prompting urgent attention and costly eradication efforts in affected regions.
Unexpected Visitors: The Invasive Electric Ants
Frédéric, a concerned homeowner in Croix-Valmer (Var), recounted his alarming experience to France Inter, stating, “The first stings were on my children.” Disturbed by the presence of small orange insects in his garden, he reached out to Olivier Blight, an expert from the University of Avignon. Upon examination, the researcher quickly identified the pests as electric ants, a species that poses a significant threat to local biodiversity.
Measuring a mere 1.5 millimeters, the so-called “little fire ant” made its first appearance in Europe in 2016, having been spotted in Spain. It wasn’t until 2022 that Wasmannia auropunctata was documented in Toulon, marking its first identification in France. These South American ants are garnering attention for all the wrong reasons.
How Were Electric Ants Discovered in France?
The invasion was first captured on camera in 2022 by a young biology enthusiast who stumbled upon the ants on his terrace. Surprised by their unfamiliar appearance, he noted, “The fact that they were so close to homes and quite small, with a characteristic shape that I did not know, made me think ‘this is still strange.'” Despite his efforts to identify them in the book “Ants of Western Europe,” he found no matches. Seeking help, he reached out to specialists who confirmed that these were indeed Wasmannia auropunctata, known for their painful sting that can lead to serious allergic reactions.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he stated, “I start to understand that this is not a French ant, and it is indeed a dangerous and invasive species.” The electric ants likely entered France via imported plants, with evidence suggesting their presence in Toulon predates their official discovery by at least a year. In Frédéric’s garden, they made their presence known with a sting that is significantly more painful than that of native ants.
The Origins and Impact of Electric Ants
These invasive ants hail from South America but have spread to all continents, establishing populations in Australia, China, and the United States. While their presence in Europe was previously limited to Malaga, Spain, their invasion poses a serious threat. Efforts to eradicate them have proven costly and complicated, with millions spent in French Polynesia and New Caledonia on containment strategies. In Queensland, Australia, where electric ants have been prevalent since 2006, around 30 million dollars have already been allocated to combatting this invasive species. The European Union classified them as a species of concern in 2022.
Biologist Audrey Dussutour highlights the scale of their proliferation, stating, “In areas where it is dominant, there are 20,000 individuals per square meter, which translates to approximately 500 million individuals in a two-hectare park.” This alarming density raises significant concerns among scientists.
Biologists are rightly worried about the ecological consequences of this invasive species. Electric ants disrupt local ecosystems by displacing other insects, which can lead to a decline in plant diversity. As a result, the local fauna, including reptiles and birds, may lose their food sources and vacate the area. Their rapid reproduction rates further exacerbate their spread through a unique form of clonal reproduction. Identified by scientists in 2005, this process allows queens to produce genetically identical offspring, leading to a concerning and unprecedented invasion of ecosystems.