What ant genus includes the red imported fire ant?

The red imported fire ant belongs to the ant genus Solenopsis. Its scientific name is Solenopsis invicta, and it is one of the best-known stinging members of a genus that also includes many thief ants and other fire ants.

The species is native to South America and was formally described as Solenopsis invicta by American entomologist William Buren in 1972. It was accidentally introduced into the United States around the 1930s, probably through the port of Mobile, Alabama, and later spread across much of the southern United States. It has also invaded parts of Australia, Asia, the Caribbean, and elsewhere.

The name “fire ant” refers to the intense burning sensation caused by its sting, not simply to red coloration. Its venom is dominated by water-insoluble piperidine alkaloids called solenopsins. Colonies may be monogyne, with one queen, or polygyne, with multiple queens. The genus is commonly confused with unrelated ants that are casually called fire ants, but the red imported fire ant’s accepted genus is Solenopsis.