is dangerous to humans and animals. What is the "electric ant" first discovered in France?
- The first discovered in France is a highly invasive and dangerous ant from South America.
- " electric ant" or " fire ant " is native to South America and was observed by an ant enthusiast in Toulon, southern France.
- In humans, in addition to painful bites, electric ants can also cause allergic shock in allergic people.
According to L'INDEPENDANT, an invasive species whose size is only 1.5 mm, poses a threat to biodiversity , known as " electric ant " for its painful bite, has been discovered for the first time in the metropolitan area of France.
Wasmannia auropunctata, a " electric fire ant" native to South America, was observed by an ant enthusiast on a fence on the beach in Toulon, southern France.
So far, this South American species has been found only once in the Malaga region of Spain, Europe.
Olivier Blight, a researcher at the Institute of Mediterranean Biodiversity and Ecology, University of Avignon, When Toulon formally determined it, “we were already dealing with a super colony, so we estimate it has been around for over a year.” .
may have been introduced by " during the transport of plants" and ants have been observed 100 meters away from the residence.
A very invasive species
Wasmannia auropunctata is extremely invasive even if it moves slowly because it combines "the classic sexual reproductive system and the system that produces queens and males through cloning ", explained Olivier Blight.
researchers said, " Its advantage lies in the number of specimens." He included the insect on the list of species that EU is concerned about.
Its sting will cause " a stinging feeling, because it lasts for 2-3 hours, so it will only be stronger and longer lasting ". With this powerful weapon, electric ants can eliminate insects and cause other animals to blind. In New Caledonia , " in the forest it invaded, there is no more insect sounds ," the expert said.
In humans, in addition to painful bites, electric ants can also cause allergic shock in allergic people.
A "super colony"
Olivier Bright noted that in the areas it invaded, " Its rooting came at a huge price ". Therefore, in Queensland, Australia, which it has colonized since 2006, $30 million has been invested in the fight against the macula.
After informing the authorities of its existence, researchers planned to "communicate as much as possible to raise public awareness" in early September, especially to be able to enter neighboring families who discovered the first outbreak.
" We need to very quickly accurately demarcate the invading area in order to develop an eradication plan ," Bright said, comparing the strategy with the strategies implemented by the authorities against tiger mosquitoes.
Bright recalled that from the discovery of invasive species, EU member states had three months to develop eradication plans.
researchers will perform molecular analysis of samples collected in Toulon in an attempt to determine the source of species detected in France.
Luohua News Agency
