What is the difference between single queen and multiple queen colonies of the Red Imported Fire Ant?
Single queen (monogyne form): only one queen per colony or mound; slightly larger workers; members of colonies are territorial; mound densities usually 20 to 80 mounds per acre; and overall fewer ants per acre. Multiple queen (polygyne form): dozens of queens per colony; smaller size worker ants; colonies are interconnected; mound densities 100 to 1,000+ per acre, therefore more ants per acre. All colonies found in California to date have had multiple queens. How can I tell the difference between Red Imported Fire Ants and termites? Although most Red Imported Fire Ants are recognizable as ants, virgin queen and male Red Imported Fire Ants with wings could be confused with termites, especially when termites are flying during their mating periods. The front pair of wings on Red Imported Fire Ants is larger than the hind pair, while both pairs of termite wings are approximately the same size. Red Imported Fire Ants have bent (“elbowed”) antennae and a thin (“wasp-like”) waist, very narrow
