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People in the News

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

People in the News

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Crazy ants in the southeastern U.S.

A crazy ant (left) attacks a larger fire ant (right). Scientists have just discovered that invasive crazy ants can neutralize the venom of the red imported fire ant. (Credit: Lawrence Gilbert/© Science)
A crazy ant (left) attacks a larger fire ant (right). Scientists have just discovered that invasive crazy ants can neutralize the venom of the red imported fire ant. (Credit: Lawrence Gilbert/© Science)

Invasive “crazy ants” are rapidly displacing fire ants in areas across the southeastern US by secreting a compound that neutralizes the other’s venom.

It’s the first known example of an insect having the ability to detoxify another insect’s venom, researchers say.

The crazy ant invasion is the latest in a series from the southern hemisphere and, like its predecessors, will likely have dramatic effects on the region’s ecosystems. Known for their painful stings on humans and other animals, fire ants dominate most ant species by dabbing them with powerful, usually fatal venom. A topical insecticide, the venom is two to three times as toxic as DDT on a per weight basis.