Fire ant workers are polymorphic, which means that their workers can vary in size from 1/16 to almost 1/4-inch long.
Mounds can sometimes reach 3 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter. Fire ants are highly aggressive and will bite and sting when disturbed. Their sting produces a burning sensation and the next day a white pustule may form at the site.
Common native ants sometimes confused with fire ants are the harvester ants (sometimes called red ants), which are larger than fire ants. Furthermore, all their workers are the same size. Their mounds are visible on the surface as large bare areas on the ground, devoid of grass, frequently surrounded by pebbles, and with a single entrance hole to the colony. These ants can also sting, but they are usually not very aggressive unless provoked.
Related
- FAQ #811: "How do I know if I have fire ants?"
- FAQ #1088: "I have ants in my house, are they fire ants?"
- Fire Ant Morphology, Reproduction and Development
- Identifying Fire Ants
Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
