Project leader: A. Estoup (CBGP, Monteferrier/Lez)

The little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata originates from South and Central America and this species is considered to be one of the most ecologically destructive invaders in areas where it has been introduced. Within the last century, the species has invaded many tropical areas, including several Pacific and Atlantic islands and areas of West Africa.

The objectives of the project are the understanding of the ecological, genetic and evolutionary processes involved during invasions by Wasmannia auropunctata. We are studying the demographic and social features, the role of abiotic factors and the genetic structure of populations, colonies and nests of the little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata in disturbed and undisturbed habitats of its native range as well as in its introduced ranges.