THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF THE PEST ANT WASMANNIA AUROPUNCTATA INTO NEW CALEDONIA *

Abstract

The originally neotropical pest ant Wasmannia auropunctata has appeared in New Caledonia and is spreading and becoming a nuisance in coffee and citrus plantings, as well as domestic gardens. The ant, although minute in size, has a potent sting that is annoying to agricultural workers in plantations and gardens, and it helps raise scale insect populations to pest densities. The ant is now abundant enough in New Caledonia to pose a threat to neighbouring agricultural countries by accidental introduction through commerce. As a possible control measure in plantations and gardens, baits containing minute amounts of mirex® should be investigated.