One of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Detected in Cyprus

Jakovos Demetriou, Christos Georgiadis, Helen E. Roy, Angeliki F. Martinou, Lech Borowiec, Sebastian Salata

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Native to the Neotropics, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863) has been unintentionally introduced around the world, heavily impacting native ant biodiversity, societies, and economies as well as human and animal health due to its potentially dangerous stings. Herein we report on the first record of W. auropunctata in Cyprus. Specimens were collected from plant nurseries and tourist facilities in Paphos and Limassol district. Wasmannia auropunctata is believed to spread via the horticultural pathway to locations with sufficient humidity. Further research is necessary to determine the distribution and assess possible negative impacts of W. auropunctata to native biodiversity, society, the economy and human health in Cyprus.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere8536
JournalSociobiology
Volume69
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alien ants
  • biological invasions
  • first record
  • island invasions
  • little fire ant
  • non-native species

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Insect Science

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