A nest of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).

Paynes Prairie Reserve, Florida, USA
Retired USDA myrmecologist Lloyd Davis surveys a large Solenopsis invicta red imported fire ant mound at Paynes Prairie State Park.

Gainesville, Florida, USA
A nest of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).

Paynes Prairie Reserve, Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest, a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Solenopsis invicta

Austin, Texas, USA
Solenopsis invicta

Austin, Texas, USA
Solenopsis invicta

Austin, Texas, USA
Solenopsis invicta

Austin, Texas, USA
Solenopsis invicta

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