Survey of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) associated with wood products and ornamental plants in Thailand and Vietnam

Abstract

A collaborative survey conducted from April 2024 to May 2025 investigated ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collected from floriculture farms and wood-processing facilities in Thailand and Vietnam. The survey identified 46 ant species representing 29 genera across six subfamilies. Among these, nine species (20%) are not known to occur in South Korea and are designated as quarantine pests under South Korean regulations, while six species (13%) are already distributed within the country. Notably, 23 species (50%) identified during this survey have not yet been intercepted during quarantine inspections at South Korean ports of entry (PIS 2025). Understanding which ant species are associated with imported plant materials from Thailand and Vietnam will enhance the capacity of quarantine personnel to detect and respond effectively to potential invasive species. Furthermore, species lists compiled from traded products serve as a critical reference for developing targeted inspection protocols and quarantine strategies aimed at preventing the introduction and establishment of non-native ants in South Korea.