CNN —The red fire ant, one of the world’s most invasive species, has been found in Europe for the first time, according to a new study. Institut de Biologia EvolutivaResearchers said they had identified 88 red fire ant nests spread over 5 hectaresnear the city of Syracuse in Sicily, Italy. While red fire ants had been discovered in imported products in Spain, Finland andthe Netherlands, a colony had never been confirmed before this study, theauthors said. The study suggested that wind could have transported flying queen ants fromthe northwest of Syracuse, where the commercial port is located. Genetic analysis of the ants revealed that they had most likely spread from the United States or China, where Solenopsis invicta is also an invasive species.

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Persons: Evolutiva, “, alarmingly, ”, Mattia Menchetti, ” Menchetti, Paris — Organizations: CNN, invicta, Institut, of Evolutionary, Solenopsis invicta, Paris, United Locations: Europe, South America, United States, Mexico, Caribbean, China, Australia, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy, Spain, Finland, Netherlands, Barcelona, Rome, London, United Nations