image: This is the reproductive queen of the invasive fire ant species Solenopsis invicta. Adult workers tend the queen and care for the brood (larvae and pupae visible in background). Assessment of genetic variation from 75 sites worldwide reveals that recent S. invicta infestations in California and several Pacific Rim countries appear to have originated from the southern US, where this pest insect was introduced from its native South American range almost a century ago. This image relates to an article that appeared in the Feb. 25, 2011, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The study, by Dr. Marina S. Ascunce, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., and colleagues was titled, "Global Invasion History of the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta." view more
Credit: Image courtesy of Kenneth G. Ross