Wasmannia auropunctata

Electric ants:

• Are tiny, about 1.5mm long
• Are light to golden brown in colour all over
• Are usually slow moving 
• Are social - they like to be with each other, often in heaps
• Do not have nests - electric ants establish colonies anywhere and have been found under stones, in garden waste, leaf mould, soil, trees, swimming pools and water courses, and may be in wall cavities, clothing, bedding or camping gear
• Can be found in wet or dry conditions
• Like water - they may ´jump´ into swimming pools and form a ´raft´

A member of the tramp ants, a group of ants that share genetic, behavioural, and ecological attributes that influence their probability of entry, establishment and spread, ecological dominance, and high impact. 

Although it is also from the family Formicidae and subfamily Myrmicinae, it is in a different genus fromthe true fire ant, Solenopsis.

The electric ant is native to Central and South America. These ants have a significant invasive history, having been introduced to Africa, North America and six Pacific Island groups (including the Galapagos, Hawaii, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands).

Its impact is similar to that of the red imported fire ant, in that it injects a powerful venom when it stings. The sting results in painful, itchy and persistent pimples, and sometimes in severe allergic reactions.

The principle effect of the electric ant is on the environment and humans. Electric ants are generalist feeders, which mean they feed 24 hours a day in most weather conditions. A large proportion of their diet is from honeydew from scale insects which they farm, creating an agricultural nuisance. Electric ants can cause declines in the numbers of invertebrates and small vertebrates, and compete with other ant species within the affected area, particularly if infestation levels are heavy.

Electric ants make up 90% of ant populations in invaded catchments in New Caledonia. They are believed to have caused a decrease in reptile populations in New Caledonia and in the Galapagos Archipelago where they eat tortoise hatchlings and attack the eyes and cloacae of adult tortoises.

In human habitations the ants may sting and even blind domestic pets (cats and dogs). Electric ants do not sting en masse like red imported fire ants, but will sting when they come in contact with people, such as in gardens or in water in swimming pools. Their sting is very painful at first, and can last - with itching - for up to three days. Foraging trails may enter houses.

In agricultural and residential areas, the electric ant may be a great nuisance to humans by reaching high densities and stinging people working in the field as well as in and around their homes.

As a tramp ant, this species is closely associated with people and is spread by people. Most international spread is associated with plants, plant materials and products or edible commodities. Electric ants have previously been intercepted accompanying air passengers carrying plant material, mats or woven baskets.

Once established the species is estimated to spread on average 170m per year by budding, which means new colonies radiate out from existing colonies. This species is not known to spread by flight.

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) confirmed mid-May 2006 the presence of an exotic ant species in Smithfield, a northern Cairns suburb. The infestation was observed in bedding sand under paving stones around a domestic pool, and under pot plants in the same area. Residents in the area had experienced numerous painful stings and one alert community member made contact with DPI&F as he suspected the ant was not native. Diagnostic confirmation was provided by entomologists at the Fire Ant Control Centre (FACC) that the unfamiliar pests were electric ants.

Subsequent surveys of the neighbourhood confirmed detections on 108 properties in close proximity to the original site, covering an area of approximately 300m radius.  A number of properties are within a forested area, which runs west to the Kuranda National Park. This proximity to the National Park makes containment and control even more important.