Growth and Development of Colonies of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta

Author： MARKIN GEORGE P. DILLIER JUSTIN H. COLLINS H. L.

Publisher： Entomological Society of America

ISSN： 1938-2901

Source： Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Vol.66, Iss.4, 1973-07, pp. : 803-808

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Abstract

A study of new colonies of Solenopsis invicta Buren showed that from their inception in early May until fall when weather stops development, the colonies had grown from a single queen and 15–20 workers to approximately 7000 workers. The following spring, when colonies were one year old, a few produced sexual forms, but in general the colonies were not sexually mature until 2 years, when the population had increased to approximately 25,000 workers. When 3 years old, the populations had increased to approximately 50,000 workers, and in all respects the colonies appeared to be fully matured. In the same period, the mound of these colonies had grown from a small single vertical burrow approximately 7 cm deep and 1.5 cc in volume, to a large mound 60 cm in diameter, 30 cm high, extending below the ground 2 meters, and containing up to 40 liters of galleries, tunnels, and rooms.