Imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri) originally came from South America. In the United States, imported fire ants currently inhabit the Southeast and parts of New Mexico and California. Imported fire ants will likely continue to spread throughout much of the southern portion of the U.S.

Map showing areas infested by hybrid fire ants. Image created by Texas AgriLife Extension Service with input from Karen Vail, University of Tennessee.

In other countries, they have been found in northern Mexico along the Rio Grande River, eastern Australia including Brisbane, and several locations in Taiwan and mainland China. They have been detected several times in New Zealand but have been eliminated.

Distribution and Quarantine Maps

• APHIS USDA - U.S. quarantine map
• USDA - Potential U.S. range expansion of the invasive fire ant
• Australia restriction maps
• Map of Taiwan and the distribution of the red imported fire ant