Red imported fire ant (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta) is one of the worst invasive species to reach Australia’s shores, and continues to be the target of a national cost-shared eradication programs.
Identifying characters:
- Workers are different sizes ranging from 2-5mm in length
- Body is a reddish colour with shiny dark brown abdomen with stinger
- Large eyes and 3 teeth at the front of the head
- Petiole with 2 nodes, no spines on thorax
- 10 segmented antennae with 2 segmented club
- Extremely aggressive
