Workers are polymorphic, about 3–8 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Solenopsis geminata
A tropical fire ant spread far beyond its original American range.
About this species
Tropical fire ant
Solenopsis geminata(Fabricius, 1804)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Solenopsis geminata is a highly adaptable fire ant associated with open tropical habitats. Colonies recruit rapidly to food and disturbed ground and have been transported widely by human activity.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Solenopsis
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Tropical regions worldwideMap shows broad native and introduced records, not a complete occupied range.
Native to the tropical Americas and introduced across many tropical and subtropical regions.
Open soil, agriculture, roadsides, lawns and disturbed urban habitats.
Active day and night when temperatures and moisture are suitable.
Omnivorous: seeds, insects, carrion and sugary foods.
Large ground colonies include small workers and conspicuous major workers with broad heads.
What makes this species remarkable?
The species has been spread between continents in soil, cargo and plant material.
Majors can process hard food items while smaller workers perform most routine tasks.
Colonies deliver painful stings and can dominate recently disturbed ground.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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