Research Project: Management of Fire Ants and Other Invasive Ants

Location: Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Metabolic and physiological effects of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in citrus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ketehouli, T., Goss, E., Ascunce, M.S., Martins, S.J. 2024. Metabolic and physiological effects of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in citrus. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 287:117325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117325.

Measuring local genetic variation in permethrin resistant head lice, pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), from Buenos Aires, Argentina - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Toloza, A.T., Ascunce, M.S., Reed, D. 2024. Measuring local genetic variation in permethrin resistant head lice, pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Journal of Medical Entomology. 18(11). https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjae048.

Effect of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 on brood mortality and egg hatch in Solenopsis invicta - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M. 2024. Effect of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 on brood mortality and egg hatch in Solenopsis invicta. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2023.108056.

Branched tyramides from males of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tappey, J., Chinta, S.P., Vander Meer, R.K., Cartwright, K.C. 2023. Branched tyramides from males of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius. Naturwissenschaften. 110:57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-023-01885-2.

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of a Microsporidian Parasite in the Black Imported Fire Ant and its Social Parasitic Ant (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Solenopsis) in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ascunce, M.S., Kassu, G., Bouwma, A., Oi, D.H., Reed, D.L., Briano, J., Shoemaker, D. 2023. Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of a Microsporidian Parasite in the Black Imported Fire Ant and its Social Parasitic Ant (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Solenopsis) in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Insects. 14(12):901. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14120901.

Ant Community Composition in a citrus grove reveals eastern expansion in Florida of the South American big-headed ant, Pheidole obscurithorax Naves (1985) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ascunce, M.S., Porter, S.D., Carroll, K.C., Perez, P., Nisip, A.J., Aufmuth, J., Justice, L.M., Gavilanez-Slone, J.M., Qureshi, J.A., Lucky, A. 2024. Ant Community Composition in a citrus grove reveals eastern expansion in Florida of the South American big-headed ant, Pheidole obscurithorax Naves (1985). Florida Entomologist. 107(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/flaent-2024-0011.

Nuclear genetic diversity of head lice sheds light on human evolution - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ascunce, M.S., Toloza, A.C., González-Oliver, A., Reed, D.L. 2023. Nuclear genetic diversity of head lice sheds light on human evolution. PLOS ONE. 18(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293409.

Insecticidal effects of Receptor-i isolated bioactive peptides on fire ant colonies - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chinta, S., Vander Meer, R.K., O'Reilly, E.E., Choi, M.Y. 2023. Insecticidal effects of Receptor-i isolated bioactive peptides on fire ant colonies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(18). Article 13978. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813978.

Preliminary assessment of bacterial antibiotic resistance and candidatus liberibacter asiaticus titer in three Florida commercial citrus groves - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
De Gracia Coquerel, M., Wegerif, J., Mcauley, A., Read, Q.D., Chowdhury, N., Jeong, K., Morris, J., Martins, S.J., Goss, E., Ascunce, M.S. 2023. Preliminary assessment of bacterial antibiotic resistance and candidatus liberibacter asiaticus titer in three Florida commercial citrus groves. Crop Protection. 172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106350.

Light affects the homing ability of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) foraging workers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Vander Meer, R.K., Alonso, L.E., Lofgren, C.S. 2023. Light affects the homing ability of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) foraging workers. Florida Entomologist. 106(3):175-181 . https://doi.org/10.1653/024.106.0304.

Solenopsis invicta virus 3 infection alters foraging behavior in its host Solenopsis invicta - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M. 2023. Solenopsis invicta virus 3 infection alters foraging behavior in its host Solenopsis invicta. Virology. 581 : 81-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2023.03.003.

RNA virus discoveries in the electric ant, Wasmannia auropunctata - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M., Zhao, C., Rivers, A.R., Iwata, R.L., Oi, D.H., Cha, D.H., Collignon, R., Cox, N.A., Morton, G.J., Calcaterra, L.A. 2023. RNA virus discoveries in the electric ant, Wasmannia auropunctata. Virus Genes. 59:276–289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11262-023-01969-1.

Are ants good organisms to teach elementary students about invasive species in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zollota, S., Perez, P., Allen, J., Argenti, T., Read, Q.D., Ascunce, M.S. 2023. Are ants good organisms to teach elementary students about invasive species in Florida. Insects. 14(2): 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020118.

Diversity and resilience of seed-removing ant species in longleaf sandhill to frequent fire - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Atchison, R.A., Lucky, A. 2022. Diversity and resilience of seed-removing ant species in longleaf sandhill to frequent fire. Diversity. 14(12):1012. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14121012.

Climate, geography, and the mating phenology of ants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Helms Iv, J.A. 2022. Climate, geography, and the mating phenology of ants. Insectes Sociaux. 70:119–125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-022-00888-y.

The evolution of tyramides in male fungus-growing ants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Luo, A.R., Hassler, M.F., Jones, T.H., Vander Meer, R.K., Adams, R.M. 2022. The evolution of tyramides in male fungus-growing ants. Journal of Chemical Ecology. (2022), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-022-01382-2.

Characterization of Solenopsis invicta virus 4, a polycipivirus infecting the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M., Oi, D.H., Oliver, J.B., Becnel, J.J. 2022. Characterization of Solenopsis invicta virus 4, a polycipivirus infecting the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Archives of Virology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-022-05587-4.

Electrically stimulated fire ants release chemical cues that attract parasitic decapitating flies - (Abstract Only)

Parasitoids and pathogens used against imported fire ants in the southern United States - (Book / Chapter)
Oi, D.H., Porter, S.D. 2022. Parasitoids and pathogens used against imported fire ants in the southern United States. In: Van Driesche, R.G., Winston, R.L., Perring, T.M., and Lopez, V.M. (eds.) Contributions of Classical Biocontrol to the U.S. Food Security, Forestry, and Biodiversity. Morgantown, WV:USDA-Forest Service. p. 252-265.

Field evaluation of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 against its host Solenopsis invicta - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M., Oi, D.H., Weeks, Jr, R.D., Addesso, K.M., Oliver, J.B. 2022. Field evaluation of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 against its host Solenopsis invicta. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 191:107767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2022.107767.

Prairie strips and lower land use intensity increase biodiversity and ecosystem services - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kemmerling, L.R., Rutkoski, C.E., Evans, S.E., Helms IV, J.A., Cordova-Ortiz, E.S., Smith, J.D., Vasquez-Custodio, J.A., Vizza, C., Haddad, N.M. 2022. Prairie strips and lower land use intensity increase biodiversity and ecosystem services. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 10(833170):1-18. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.833170.

Compositional attributes of invaded forests drive the diversity of insect functional groups - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Traylor, C.R., Ulyshen, M.D., Wallace, D., Loudermilk, E.L., Ross, C.W., Hawley, C., Atchison, R.A., Williams, J.L., Mchugh, J.V. 2022. Compositional attributes of invaded forests drive the diversity of insect functional groups. Global Ecology and Conservation. 35(1):e02092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02092.

Response of Wasmannia auropunctata, (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to water-soaked imported fire ant baits - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oi, D.H., Lucky, A., Liebowitz, D.M. 2022. Response of Wasmannia auropunctata, (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to water-soaked imported fire ant baits. Florida Entomologist. 105(2):108-114. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.105.0202.

Novel alkaloids from the fire ant, Solenopsis geminata - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Vander Meer, R.K., Chinta, S.P., Jones, T.H. 2022. Novel alkaloids from the fire ant, Solenopsis geminata. Naturwissenschaften. 109(15):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-022-01786-w.

Genetic and chemical profiling of Solenopsis spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) intercepted in Hawaii - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ascunce, M.S., Vander Meer, R.K., Chinta, S.P., Ogura-Yamata, C., Oishi, D. 2022. Genetic and chemical profiling of Solenopsis spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) intercepted in Hawaii. Florida Entomologist. 105(1):91-94. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.105.0114.

Effect of irrigation on the control of red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by water-resistant and standard fire ant baits - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oi, D.H., Atchison, R.A., Chuzel, G., Chen, J., Henke, J.A., Weeks, R.D. 2022. Effect of irrigation on the control of red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by water-resistant and standard fire ant baits. Journal of Economic Entomology. 115(1):266-272. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab242.

Male fire ant neurotransmitter precursors trigger reproductive deveopment in females after mating - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Vander Meer, R.K., Chinta, S.P., Jones, T.H., O'Reilly, E.E., Adams, R.M. 2021. Male fire ant neurotransmitter precursors trigger reproductive deveopment in females after mating. Nature Communications. 4:1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02921-5.

Diet with sucrose ameliorates Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (Solinviviridae: Invictavirus) infection in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) worker ants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M. 2021. Diet with sucrose ameliorates Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (Solinviviridae: Invictavirus) infection in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) worker ants. Florida Entomologist. 104(3):239-242. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.104.0314.

Ant communities and ecosystem services in organic versus conventional agriculture in the U.S. Corn Belt - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Helms IV, J.A., Smith, J., Clark, S., Knupp, K., Haddad, N.M. 2021. Ant communities and ecosystem services in organic versus conventional agriculture in the U.S. Corn Belt. Environmental Entomology. 50(6):1276-1285. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvab105.

Climate and mating phenology in ants - (Abstract Only)

Climate and mating phenology in ants - (Abstract Only)

Unique venom proteins from Solenopsis invicta x Solenopsis richteri hybrid fire ants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M., Oliver, J., Addesso, K., Perera, O.P. 2021. Unique venom proteins from Solenopsis invicta x Solenopsis richteri hybrid fire ants. Toxicon: X. 9-10:100065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100065.

Genetic variablity of Hapalaxius crudus, based on the 5' region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene shed light on epidemology of palm lethal decline phytoplasmas - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Humprhines, A.R., Ascunce, M.S., Goss, E.M., Helmick, E.E., Bartlett, C.R., Myrie, W., Barrantes, E.A., Zumbado, M.A., Bustillo, A.E., Bahder, B.W. 2021. Genetic variablity of Hapalaxius crudus, based on the 5' region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene shed light on epidemology of palm lethal decline phytoplasmas. Phytofrontiers. 1:127-134. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-12-20-0048-R.

Biosecurity plan for invasive ants in the Pacific Region - (Book / Chapter)
Vanderwoude, C., Boudjelas, S., Gruber, M., Hoffmann, B.D., Oi, D.H., Porter, S.D. 2021. Biosecurity plan for invasive ants in the Pacific Region. In: Edited by Pullaiah, T. and Ielmini, M.R. editors. Invasive Alien Species: Observations and Issues from Around the World, Volume 2: Issues and Invasions in Asia and the Pacific Region, First Edition. New York, New York. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 2(13):275-288. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119607045.ch25.

The seasonal reproductive status of tawny crazy ant queens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oi, D.H. 2021. The seasonal reproductive status of tawny crazy ant queens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Florida. Florida Entomologist. 104(2):140-142. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.104.0211.

How long do population level field experiments need to be? Utilising data from the 40-year old LTER network - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cusser, S., Helms Iv, J.A., Bahlai, C., Haddad, N.M. 2021. How long do population level field experiments need to be? Utilising data from the 40-year old LTER network. Ecology Letters. 24(5):1103-1111. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13710.

Bioenergy landscapes drive trophic shifts in generalist ants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Helms Iv, J.A., Roeder, K.A., Ijelu, S.E., Ratcliff, I., Haddad, N.M. 2021. Bioenergy landscapes drive trophic shifts in generalist ants. Journal of Animal Ecology. 90(3):738-750. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13407.

Examining the prevalence of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (Solinviviridae: Invictavirus) in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) alates collected in North Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Arnold, D.P., Balasubramani, S.P., Valles, S.M., Hottel, B.A. 2021. Examining the prevalence of Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (Solinviviridae: Invictavirus) in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) alates collected in North Florida. Florida Entomologist. 104(1):9-12. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.104.0102.

Seasonal prevalence of queens and males in colonies of tawny crazy ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oi, D.H. 2020. Seasonal prevalence of queens and males in colonies of tawny crazy ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Florida. Florida Entomologist. 103(3):415-417. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.103.0318.

Efficacy of the InvictDetectTM Immunostrip® to taxonomically identify the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta using a single worker ant - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Valles, S.M., Strong, C.A., Emmitt, R., Culkin, C., Weeks, R.D. 2020. Efficacy of the InvictDetectTM Immunostrip® to taxonomically identify the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta using a single worker ant. Insects. 11(1):37. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11010037.