Documenting the Diversity of Dallas/Fort Worth Urban Wildlife Since 2005
Red Imported Fire Ant – Earthworms and Ant Trails
This observation was made shortly after a heavy rain shower. As is often the case, the rainfall brought the earthworms to the surface where many of them made their way to the nearby sidewalk. After the rains passed and the sun came out, a number of these earthworm were stranded on the concrete and soon died due to the heat of the sun.
The fire ants followed close behind to take advantage of these easy meals.
This picture was taken shortly after a heavy rain shower. As is often the case, the rainfall brought the earthworms to the surface where many of them made their way to the nearby sidewalk. After the rains passed and the sun came out, many of these earthworm were stranded on the concrete and soon died due to the heat of the sun. The fire ants followed close behind to take advantage of these easy meals.
Another group of Red Imported Fire Ants feeding on a nearby earthworm. Of interest in this photo is the wide variation of sizes among the worker ants.
A closer look at the Red Imported Fire Ants feeding on a dead earthworm.
In this picture you can see two separate trails of ants coming to the earthworm, and then returning again in the direction of the colony.