Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are one of the few insects capable of surviving in most locations around the world but are native to the South American countries of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.
They were first detected in Brisbane, Queensland on 22 February 2001. They may have arrived before this.
Fire ants also inhabit many other countries including America, China, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The infestation in these countries is so large it is not feasible to attempt eradication activities like those underway in Australia.
