Reacción a "Reactions: the fire ant, one of the most invasive species, is already in Europe and may arrive in Spain"

Menchetti and his colleagues have just published in the prestigious journal Current Biology on the first establishment of the fire ant S. invicta in Europe. Genetic analysis of this South American invasive species suggests that it was introduced into Italy from the United States or China.

This species is considered to be one of the worst invasive ant species, with major impacts on biodiversity, health and the economy. This species generates economic costs of several million euros per year, linked to its impacts but also to the costs associated with its management. It is therefore essential to implement preventive measures and raise public awareness about this issue. Since 2022, this species has been on the list of species of Union of concern for Europe, prohibiting its marketing, possession and capture. This regulation also obliges Member States to take action to control or eradicate the species within months of its detection. 

This detection of an new invasive ant in Europe is a very good example of the growing problem of biological invasions, which should oblige Member States to equip themselves with regulatory and financial tools to respond effectively.