Importation biological control of invasive fire ants with parasitoid phorid flies—progress and prospects

Twenty-two known species of Pseudacteon flies (Diptera: Phoridae) are parasitoids South American fire ants in the Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) complex. Phorid different sizes and with differing activity patterns have been released United States to control two imported ant species—Solenopsis richteri invicta—and their hybrid. Six highly host-specific successfully established at dozens release sites most now widely distributed across areas infested by ants. This complex fly is expected weaken competitive vigor colonies through both direct indirect effects, eventually reduce abundance To date, however, few studies attempted document effect these on host field, future research should focus overall magnitude reduction populations. Knowledge gained from successful importation establishment phorid US can provide guidance for utilization parasitoid biological S. invicta other introduced ranges, aid search additional agents pest general.