Venomous ants likely take root in Japan, could spread: research body

Oct 17, 2019 | News On Japan

Oct 17, 2019 (Kyodo) - Venomous fire ants could spread in Japan, as the recent discovery of about 50 queen ants at a Tokyo port suggests the invasive alien insect from South America has likely taken root, according to an analysis by a national research institute.

Some 50 queens with wings, more than 300 fire ant workers and larvae were found in a colony on Oct. 7 at the Aomi container terminal in the Port of Tokyo, according to the Environment Ministry.

The discovery indicates fire ants, which could harm local ecosystems and kill people through severe allergic reactions after stings, have likely settled down at the port and may have dispersed to other areas, according to the National Institute for Environmental Studies.

"Swift and thorough research should be conducted in extended areas, taking into account the worst case scenario, in which they have spread to other areas," said Koichi Goka, head of the Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section of the institute that has been involved in invasive species control.

Since queens are usually born six to 12 months after a colony is built, the colony at the port is likely to have been built more than a year ago, Goka said.

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