Science Story

08 January 2009 19:19 BST

Invasive pest ant warning for Europe

Experts have today warned that invasive pest ants could wreak havoc across Europe.

In a study published in the journal PLoS ONE, scientists claim that it is only a matter of time before the Lasius neglectus, a new ant discovered in 1990, will reach northern Europe and cause considerable damage to parks and gardens.

The authors claim their findings represent a "wake-up call for closer monitoring of urban ecosystems to eliminate infestations before they become problematic".

"We found that invasive garden ants developed from species in the Black Sea region that have natural populations with small networks of interconnected nests with many queens that mate underground and don't fly.

"It is now becoming clear that rather many ant species share this lifestyle, so that it is no surprise that a number of them have become invasive pests with giant super-colonies based on the same principles," said Dr Sylvia Cremer, the lead author.

The Lasius neglectus resembles the common black garden ant but exists in much higher densities and is able to thrive in the temperate climate zones of Europe and Asia.

The authors claim that the ants need to be kept in check by their natural enemies otherwise when their colonies infest large potted plants and humans start moving these around across borders, they can get out of control.