The fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) pathogen, Vairimorpha invictae (Microsporidia: Burenellidae), not detected in Florida

Abstract

Surveys were conducted to search specifically for the microsporidian pathogen Vairimorpha invictae in red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), in the U.S. V. invictae was not detected in any of the 1,016 nest samples collected in 21 counties located in 5 states. A majority of samples (83%) originated from Florida. Despite the absence of V. invictae, another microsporidum, K. solenopsae, was detected in 14.5% of the samples. Based on our sampling, V. invictae is currently not established in the U.S. V. invictae represents an additional natural enemy that could be imported from South America for the classical biological control of S. invicta.