Invasion of dangerous insects spotted in Israel - details
An invasive species of the little fire ant has been detected in Israel, stinging and injecting venom. Dr. Eyal Privman from the University of Haifa discussed the insect's biology, including its ability to clone itself. The species arrived in the country over 20 years ago, likely with cargo from South America.
The spread of the little fire ant, an invasive species causing discomfort to humans and animals, has been observed in Israel. Dr. Eyal Privman from the Institute of Evolution at the University of Haifa, who studies ant genetics and evolution, explained the insect's characteristics. Unlike regular ants that only bite, the little fire ant stings and injects venom, causing a strong burning sensation. The species appeared in Israel over 20 years ago, likely arriving with maritime trade cargo, such as wood from South America. Israel's arid climate is unsuitable for fire ants, but human activities—irrigation of fields, lawns, gardens, and parks—create the necessary moist environment. One unusual feature is its ability to clone: new queens are genetically identical to their mothers, and males are clones of their fathers. According to scientists, bites from this ant in Israel are extremely painful but do not cause life-threatening allergic reactions typical of some other fire ants.