Argentina Ant Research Paper

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The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is a widespread and highly invasive ant species native to South America. Human-mediated dispersal has facilitated its spread and establishment globally in regions with Mediterranean and subtropical climates. Since its introduction to California in the early 1900’s, the Argentine ant has spread to nearly all costal and southern regions of the state where it has become an iconic and significant pest in both natural and managed habitats (Holway et al. 2002).
Morphology:
Argentine ant colonies are comprised of several queens, sterile female workers and in the spring months, alate (winged) males (up to 15% of the colony). Workers are monomorphic, typically about 2.2-2.9mm in length with queens and males significantly larger at 3mm and 4.5-5mm respectively (Newell and Barber 1913). All castes share a consistent brown to light brown coloration. Argentine ants can be identified in laboratory settings via a distinctive single node shaped node on their petiole. In the field, Argentine …show more content…
Eggs are pearly white in coloration and typically .3mm long and .2mm wide. Average summer incubation rate is ~15 days but this is highly dependent on temperature (Barber 1916).
Larvae, collectively referred to as brood, are creamy white in appearance and 1.7mm long. Larvae lack legs and are completely reliant on workers for grooming and feeding throughout their average development time of 13 days (Barber 1916).
Pupae are white with two black spots on the head where the compound eyes are forming. Coloration will darken after molting (Newell 1908). Worker pupae are typically 2mm long, whereas males and queens are 3mm long and 4.5mm respectively. Males and queen pupae have an enlarged thorax with wing pads and queens additionally have a more constricted pedicel (Barber 1916; Newell and Barber 1913). Pupation generally lasts a few
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