Biological invasions

Introduction

"Biological invasions" occur when species are deliberately or unintentionally introduced to areas outside their native range via human agency.

Species transported outside countries, areas or environments that they have not previously occupied are also called "alien" (for example, a species not previously known from Cyprus transported to the island from a neighboring country).

More than 14,000 alien species have been recorded in Europe, while in Cyprus their number exceeds 1,200 species. Some of them also become "invasive" i.e. threatening to native biodiversity, societies, economies as well as plant, animal and human health.

Invasive alien species are one of the major drivers of global biodiversity loss. Islands are considered more susceptible to biological invasions, with invasive species even leading endemic island species to extinction.

Alien ants

More than 500 species of ants have been transported around the globe, "escaping" their native range as hitchhikers on means of transport, stowaways or contaminants in shipped goods, equipment etc.

In Cyprus, 17 alien species of ants have been identified! These can be mostly found in agricultural land, greenhouses, plant nurseries and urban areas such as parks, houses and gardens.

Although not a lot is known about the impacts of these species on the island it is important to monitor their spread and interactions with native species.

Checklist of alien ants of Cyprus

Click on the name and read more about them on their species profiles

The island's most wanted

Wasmannia auropunctata, also known as the "little fire ant" or the "electric ant", is considered as one of the world's worst 100 invasive alien species and is also listed as an invasive alien species of Union concern.

As such, it is important to monitor its introduction, spread and adverse impacts.

Unfortunately, the little fire ant was first detected on Cyprus in 2022 and is currently widespread. It can be found mostly in urban areas such as irrigated gardens near hotels, luxury villas and houses as well as plant nurseries.

It is believed that the species first reached Cyprus in potted plants introduced to plant nurseries and spread from their through plant trade.

Although not a lot is known about its impacts on the island, around the world it lowers native species abundances (including insects, lizards, birds and mammals). What is more, the little fire ant can sting both people and pets causing allergic shocks to humans and blinding animals such as cats and dogs.

What can I do to help

Want to know what species of ants are in your area? Check out the ANTovreis CSI and contact us. Collect us some ants and quickly find out.
As a general way to prevent further spread of alien insects, try to plant native trees, shrubs and flowers instead of alien species. Especially in natural areas! Don't know which plants are alien? No worries, check them out at CyDAS or ask your local plant nursery.
When buying potted plants from nurseries check for ants in the soil. Remove them and make sure you don't transport these to your garden.

Full Disclosure

Although we do love ants we understand that these can become a nuisance, especially indoors.

As this site has been constructed and is maintained by scientists working on ecology and conservation rather than pest control we cannot offer eradication methods or services. For extensive ant infestations in households please seek advise from pest controllers rather than the site. However, consider that having ants and other species in your house is completely normal and a sign of a healthy environment where life can flourish.

Nevertheless, it is important for us to know which species are found in our houses and indoors premises as well as their socioeconomic impact. This is particularly important for invasive alien species such as the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata for which monitoring is necessary.

If you want to help, contact us and join the ANTovreis citizen science initiative.

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