Life is perilous for young queens. This fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) is being pursued by native Forelius ants, as she would make an excellent source of protein to feed the Forelius larvae. She frantically climbs a grass blade to escape, but to no avail. Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
A fire ant queen Solenopsis invicta looks for a suitable place to start a new colony after her mating flight. Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
After her spring mating flight, a red imported fire ant queen tests out a site to dig her new nest. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Austin, Texas, USA.
