Successful establishment of the invasive fire ant Solenopsis invicta in Taiwan: insights into interactions of alternate social forms

摘要: Aim  Understanding the factors underlying successful establishment of invasive ant species is critical for developing quarantine strategies to prevent additional invasions as well determining how such overcome selective pressures in invaded areas. Although several studies have revealed differences social organization and population genetics ants their native introduced ranges, few considered potential interactions between alternate forms within newly-invaded areas simply because many are characterized polygyne or unicolonial. Location  Taoyuan Chiayi County, Taiwan. Methods  Both (polygyne monogyne) red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, occur two separately Taiwan (Taoyuan Chiayi). We employed intensive sampling methods diagnostic polymerase chain reaction assays determine distribution these both infested Taiwan. Results  The differs dramatically areas, consistent with different invasion histories regarding original make-up individuals comprising initial founder group. likely was colonized initially by forms, subsequent spread continuous outward movement particularly monogyne form. In contrast, founders were form only, suggesting this appeared only recently arose directly from queens converting form. Main conclusions  Our results provide detailed insights into history S. invicta suggest that distinct reproductive biology may shaped current dynamics affect long-term persistence pest species.