One of the world’s worst invasive alien species Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) detected in Cyprus

Demetriou, Jakovos; Georgiadis, Christos; Roy, Helen E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6050-679X; Martinou, Angeliki F.; Borowiec, Lech; Salata, Sebastian. 2022 One of the world’s worst invasive alien species Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) detected in Cyprus. Sociobiology, 69 (4), e8536. 6, pp. https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v69i4.8536

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v69i4.8536

Abstract/Summary

Native to the Neotropics, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863) has been unintentionally introduced around the world, heavily impacting native ant biodiversity, societies, and economies as well as human and animal health due to its potentially dangerous stings. Herein we report on the first record of W. auropunctata in Cyprus. Specimens were collected from plant nurseries and tourist facilities in Paphos and Limassol district. Wasmannia auropunctata is believed to spread via the horticultural pathway to locations with sufficient humidity. Further research is necessary to determine the distribution and assess possible negative impacts of W. auropunctata to native biodiversity, society, the economy and human health in Cyprus.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v69i4.8536
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	0361-6525
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	alien ants, biological invasions, first record, non-native species, island invasions, little fire ant
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	03 Jan 2023 17:38 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/533812

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v69i4.8536

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)

ISSN:

0361-6525

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

alien ants, biological invasions, first record, non-native species, island invasions, little fire ant