To Be an Ant: The Fiery Ones

Here is another kind of ant you will frequently encounter: Solenopsis invicta, or the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA). As fire ants are more aggressive than Little Black Ants, it's best to leave them be. Nevertheless, they're just as fascinating to observe at work. (Also in the photos you'll see a baby slug, Deroceras laeve, about which I posted earlier and will add more posts later on. The slug isn't much bigger than the ant!) This particular ant was very industrious and determined, but he seemed to have a bad sense of direction, for he wandered quite a bit.

For more information, consult:
http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Solenopsis_invicta.htm (focused on FL, but info relevant for other regions)
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/ants/red_imported_fire_ant.htm