Venomous ants likely take root in Japan, could spread: research body

Venomous fire ants could spread in Japan, as the recent discovery of about 50 queen ants at a Tokyo port suggests the invasive alien insect from South America has likely taken root, according to an analysis by a national research institute.Some 50 queens with wings, more than 300 fire ant workers and larvae were found in a colony on Oct. 7 at the Aomi container terminal in the Port of Tokyo, according to the Environment Ministry.The discovery indicates fire ants, which could harm local ecosystems and kill people through severe allergic reactions after stings, have likely settled down at the…READ FULL ARTICLE