Establishment of Alluaud’s little yellow ant, Plagiolepis alluaudi Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae): first continental New World record
Keywords:
Invasive ant, Pheidole, Tapinoma,Abstract
Summary
Plagiolepis alluaudi, of Madagascar origin, is an invasive ant species in many tropical localities around the world. Here we report the first record of an established population of P. alluaudi in the continental Americas. This established population is thriving in a neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, and it raises concerns that this new invader may become another pest in the crowded landscape of Florida’s invasive ant fauna. Taking into account the local densities of this ant in the area, it is possible that it was established for several years before being detected. It has the potential to be a household nuisance, and may also have an impact on urban ecosystems of southeastern Florida. It is expected that its own movement and human activity will further spread P. alluaudi beyond its current range.
Sumario
Plagiolepis alluaudi, de origen malgache, es una especie de hormigas invasora en muchas localidades tropicales de todo el mundo. Aquí presentamos el primer registro de una población establecida de P. alluaudi en las Américas continentales. Esta población establecidaestá prosperando en un vecindario de Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, y plantea preocupaciones de que este nuevo invasor pueda convertirse en otra plaga en el abarrotado paisaje de la fauna invasora de hormigas de Florida. Teniendo en cuenta las densidades locales de esta hormiga en la zona, es posible que se estableció durante varios años antes de ser detectado. Tiene el potencial de ser una molestia para los hogares, y también puede tener un impacto en los ecosistemas urbanos del sureste de la Florida. Se espera que su propio movimiento y actividad humana difundan aún más a P. alluaudi más allá de su rango actual.
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