On the Biology of the Imported Fire Ant1

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Abstract
Following a summer of frequent showers, new imported fire ant (Solenopsis saevissima richteri) colonies develop from a mated queen to a noticeable size in about a year and a half at State College, Miss. First-year colonies may number 1000 per acre, but by the second winter they consolidate and number about 20-30 colonies per acre. Colony consolidations seen to take place for survival in wet, cold weather when food is not being sought. Giant mounds may form in this manner in a stable population from a radius of 100 or more feet. The giant colonies may later disperse when food demand increases with brood rearing.

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