Identification

Solenopsis invicta (Fig 3)     

Workers are polymorphic (Fig 3), about 1.6-6 mm (1/16-1/4") long; queens average 6.6 mm (1/4") long.  Head and thorax yellowish red and abdomen black; reproductives darker.  Antenna 10-segmented, with 2 segmented club.  Thorax lacks spines, profile unevenly rounded.  Pedicel 2-segmented. Stinger extruded in most. The mandible has 4 teeth.

	Figure 3 Common morphological characters used in identifying the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta

	Figure 4 Fire ant queen shown with workers and brood. Courtesy of Sanford D. Porter, USDA, Gainesville, Florida.		Figure 5 Workers demonstrate polymorphism.  Picture taken by Dr. Samford Porter, USDA-CMAVE, Gainsville, FL.