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This ant – whose scientific name is Solenopsis invicta – is native to South America but in the last century has spread to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and Australia. Now, 88 anthills of this species have been found in five hectares near Siracusa, Sicily, Italy.
Red fire ants are known for the aggressiveness with which they attack potential threats and have a painful sting that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. They can also pose a threat to local crops and ecosystems.
Researchers fear that Solenopsis invicta will spread rapidly, as 7 per cent of the European continent has a climate favourable to the spread of the species, including cities such as Barcelona, Paris, London, Lisbon and Porto.
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