A ancient antagony between two highly competitive ants (Linepithema humile and Solenopsis invicta) from the same river basin in South America plays out again in North America where both have been introduced.

Austin, Texas, USA
A feisty little Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) attacks a much larger fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).  Both species co-exist naturally in subtropical South America, but in the southern United States where both have been accidentally introduced, the fire ant has displaced the Argentine ants.

Austin, Texas, USA
A worker and queen Argentine ant, Linepithema humile.

Córdoba, Argentina
A queen and worker Argentine ant, Linepithema humile.

Córdoba, Argentina
A trail of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile.

Davis, California, USA
A worker and queen Argentine ant, Linepithema humile.

Córdoba, Argentina
A queen and worker Argentine ant, Linepithema humile.

Córdoba, Argentina
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant.

Davis, California, USA
A trail of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile.

Davis, California, USA
A ancient antagony between two highly competitive ants (Linepithema humile and Solenopsis invicta) from the same river basin in South America plays out again in North America where both have been introduced.

Austin, Texas, USA
A ancient antagony between two highly competitive ants (Linepithema humile and Solenopsis invicta) from the same river basin in South America plays out again in North America where both have been introduced.

Austin, Texas, USA
A ancient antagony between two highly competitive ants (Linepithema humile and Solenopsis invicta) from the same river basin in South America plays out again in North America where both have been introduced.

Austin, Texas, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013