The red imported fire ant (_Solenopsis invicta_), native to South America, is one of the most dangerous invasive ants in the world.

They are extremely aggressive — once the nest is disturbed, hundreds to thousands of worker ants will swarm out within seconds and attack the intruder collectively.

Each fire ant first uses its mandibles to bite and anchor itself to the skin, then uses the stinger at the tip of its abdomen to sting and inject venom — this process can be repeated multiple times at the same spot.

Piperidine alkaloids (solenopsin) in the venom cause an intense burning sensation (hence the name "fire ant"), and within 24 hours, a characteristic white pustule forms at the sting site — this is the primary way to distinguish a fire ant sting from that of other ant species.

Approximately 1% of people have a severe allergic reaction to fire ant venom, which can progress to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

The red imported fire ant has invaded multiple southern provinces of China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan, etc.

); when engaging in outdoor activities, one should be careful to avoid their mound-shaped nests.