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Appearance
The worker is between 1/16 - 1/4 inch in length. The queen averages 1/4 inch. Their head and second body segment is a reddish color, but the abdomen is generally black. Their stinger is at the end of their abdomen.
Habit
These ants received their name because of the fiery pain the victim receives from their sting. The fire ant usually develop their colonies, which can range in size from 80,000 - 250,000, in the ground, under rocks, under wood, and in voids in structures. They are often attracted to electrical junction boxes, such as air conditioners, traffic signals, etc. They can cause such equipment to malfunction by chewing on the wires. They also follow pipes and wires into structures.
Diet
Foods high in protein are preferred, but they will feed on almost anything. Some examples are other insects, meats, breakfast foods, fruit, plants, etc.
Reproduction
A typical queen can produce about 1500 eggs per day. From egg to adult is approximately 22 - 38 days. Although the average worker ant usually lives less than 6 months, the queen tends to live 2 to 6 years.
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