A strange miniature people invaded Europe. Billions of Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) , over 6,000 km, forming a surprising supercolony. That's what we discovered by French researchers, Switzerland and Denmark, after two years of field observation and laboratory. West of Spain to Italy via France, millions of nests communicate with each other, creating a huge network continuously.
"The supercolonies have long been known, but it is impressive " says Luc Passera, ant specialist and professor emeritus at the University of Toulouse.
Argentine ants arrived in Europe around 1920, by chance. A new environment, new behavior. In their natural habitat, Argentine ants of different nests are killing each other in fifteen seconds. Within the supercolony, no trace of aggressiveness.
Ants are close enough genetically to recognize, an ant can identify an ant Italian English through an odor secreted on the surface of the cuticle. Why this sudden friendship between ants ? Researchers have noted a loss of genetic diversity that affects the genes responsible for smell. Supercolony this could affect the biodiversity of the Mediterranean coasts: the Argentine ants eliminate 95% of native ants, monopolizing food sources. Another nuisance: they rob the larder housing. A rate of 200 meters per year, nothing will prevent the supercolony to keep driving the Italian side. To the west, the cold would be unable to go beyond Galicia.
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