Invasive Ant Species Identified for First Time in Israel

By דבר

Translated & summarized from Davar by baba

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Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection has confirmed the first-ever detection of the invasive large-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) in Haifa. This African species is considered highly damaging to ecosystems and agriculture, though not a health risk to humans. Authorities are collaborating with local bodies and the public to monitor and control its spread, urging residents to report sightings. The ministry warns against moving potentially infested materials to prevent further dissemination.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

The invasive large-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) has been confirmed in Israel for the first time.
The ant was detected in Haifa's Neve Sha'anan neighborhood, with investigations ongoing in Hadar.
This African species is among the world's most damaging invasive ants, threatening ecosystems and agriculture.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is leading efforts to monitor and control the spread.
Residents are asked to report suspected sightings to aid in mapping and management.
Moving soil, plants, or garden waste from infested areas is discouraged to prevent spread.

Invasive Ant Species Identified for First Time in Israel — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection has confirmed the presence of a new invasive ant species, Pheidole megacephala, commonly known as the large-headed ant, for the first time in the country. The species, originating from Africa, is considered one of the world's most damaging invasive ants. Initial sightings were reported by residents in the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood of Haifa, particularly around Giv'at HaShach'et and nearby streets, with further reports being investigated in the Hadar neighborhood.

Dr. Shay Reichler, Director of the Pests and Pest Control Department at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, emphasized the need for swift, systematic action to prevent the ant's spread. While not a direct health risk to humans, the large-headed ant poses a significant threat to local ecosystems and agriculture. It can displace native ant species, harm other arthropods, and even prey on small vertebrates, potentially disrupting seed dispersal. The ant also cultivates and protects aphids, causing agricultural damage.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Haifa Municipality, Tel Aviv University, and other professionals, is expanding monitoring efforts and exploring control methods. Residents are urged to report any suspected sightings to aid in mapping infestation hotspots and preventing further spread. The ants can be identified by their rapid movement in dense trails, the presence of smaller ants alongside significantly larger-headed ones, and their brown coloration. They are roughly 2-3 millimeters long, twice the size of the small fire ant, and are often seen climbing trees. Nests are typically found on the ground, sometimes with dead ants nearby.

The Ministry warns against moving soil, potted plants, seedlings, or garden waste from suspected areas to avoid inadvertently spreading the infestation, similar to how the small fire ant spreads. The large-headed ant has a high reproductive and dispersal rate and can thrive in warm climates, having spread globally from Africa.