The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile: natural history, ecology and impact of a successful invader

Angulo, Elena and Guénard, Benoit and Balzani, Paride and Bang, Alok and Frizzi, Filippo and Masoni, Alberto and Abril, Sílvia and Suarez, Andrew V. and Hoffmann, Benjamin and Benelli, Giovanni and Aonuma, Hitoshi and Lach, Lori and Mothapo, Palesa Natasha and Wossler, Theresa and Santini, Giacomo (2024) The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile: natural history, ecology and impact of a successful invader. Entomologia Generalis, 44 (1). pp. 41-61.

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Abstract

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, is one of the world’s worst invasive species, with established popula-tions in at least 40 countries on six continents. In this review, we synthesise the vast literature on this species in four areas, concentrating on its introduction to natural systems. The rst section reviews its distribution, habitat preferences, and the factors promoting its invasion success. Second, we review current knowledge of its ecological impacts on invertebrates, vertebrates and ecosystem functions. The third section deals with behaviour and genetics, particularly traits promoting invasiveness. Finally, we address applied issues, emphasising the quantication of the economic costs and eradication strat-egies associated with L. humile invasion. Despite tremendous research eorts, especially over the past 40 years, numerous knowledge gaps remain in the understanding of the distribution, ecology, impacts, management, and economic costs of this species. We conclude by highlighting the most critical gaps and propose a research agenda to tackle the future challenges in the study of L. humile biology.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Angulo, Elena and Guénard, Benoit and Balzani, Paride and Bang, Alok and Frizzi, Filippo and Masoni, Alberto and Abril, Sílvia and Suarez, Andrew V. and Hoffmann, Benjamin and Benelli, Giovanni and Aonuma, Hitoshi and Lach, Lori and Mothapo, Palesa Natasha and Wossler, Theresa and Santini, Giacomo
Document Language:	Language English (Full Issue)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	biological invasions, climate change, Dolichoderinae, invasive species, pest control
Subjects:	Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology > Genetics & evolution Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology > Ecology
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bhopal > Arts and Sciences
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/5909
Publisher URL:	https://www.schweizerbart.de/journals/entomologia

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