Human-mediated range expansion of Argentine ants Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in New Zealand

摘要: The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, was first found in New Zealand in 1990. At present, its distribution is predominantly in towns and cities in northern New Zealand, although its presence is increasingly being reported from new locations. Its distribution in many of these new locations cannot be explained by natural spread, but by human mediated dispersal (HMD). Estimates of the distances of HMD for Argentine ants in New Zealand (minimum and maximum median distances 9.97-71.99 km, respectively) suggest that this type of dispersal occurs often, and as such is primarily responsible for the range expansion of the species in New Zealand. Additionally, HMD can operate over relatively short distances, demonstrating that the main movement of this species between and within urban environments is by humans and associated pathways. Examining the frequency, direction and distances, and pathways over which HMD occurs may assist in the control and management of ant pest species closely associated with humans.