fire ant

noun

1. any of several omnivorous ants, as the migrant Solenopsis geminata originating in tropical and subtropical South America, having a sting that produces a burning sensation.

fire ant

noun

1. any mound-building predatory ant of the genus Solenopsis , of tropical and subtropical America, that can inflict a painful sting

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire ant¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Santa Barbara County has spent a total of $15,000 eradicating local populations of red imported fire ants to prevent the invasive species from spreading.

From Los Angeles Times

A new population of “highly aggressive” red imported fire ants has infested a private property in Montecito, according to Santa Barbara County officials.

From Los Angeles Times

When flooding hits a region where fire ants live, their survival response is to latch together to form a buoyant "raft" that floats and keeps the colony united.

From Science Daily

Acephate and malathion belong to a class of chemicals called organophosphates, which U.S. farmers have used for decades because they efficiently kill aphids, fire ants and other pests.

From Salon

Mr. Dedmon and the other deputies punched Mr. Schmidt and held his arm in a fire ant hill, then shocked him repeatedly with a Taser, Mr. Schmidt said.

From New York Times