Is it too late to stop the spread of the electric ant, a particularly threatening invasive species, in mainland France? A second outbreak was identified in August in the town of Croix-Valmer, in the Var, as revealed by France Inter on Monday, November 18. Two years ago, a first outbreak was discovered in Toulon, in the same department. Of, the state does not have An eradication operation has not yet been implemented in the contaminated area.
Microscopic (measures 1.5 millimeters), orange-yellow in color and capable of reproducing by cloning (without fertilization of the male), the wasmannia auropunctata It is native to South America. Classified among the 88 invasive species of concern for the European Union, its bites cause a burning sensation and have important consequences for biodiversity.
In Croix-Valmer, it was the owner of a house in a residential area who reported the presence of these ants after their bites. “very painful”. “At least ten villages are contaminated, says Luc Gomel, a specialist in the fight against invasive ants. We find ants in the gardens but also in all common green spaces, along the sidewalks, in the hydrographic network… ” In Toulon, the first focus was discovered by chance by a young ant fan, and the presence of the species was formally confirmed in September 2022. It is found in the gardens of a residence, but also inside buildings and even outside the premises, in. the natural environment.
For at least five years
In both cases, the most likely hypothesis is that this species was introduced through ornamental plants. A study is being carried out to determine if the clone found in Croix-Valmer is similar to that of Toulon or to populations already observed in other countries, such as Spain. Taking into account the size of the colonies, specialist Olivier Blight, professor and researcher at the University of Avignon, estimates that the ants must have arrived at least five years ago.
Since the first report, the response has been slow. Due to the inclusion of the electric ant on the European list in August 2022, the State should have launched an eradication plan within three months. “Nothing was planned to act quickly, observes Olivier Blight. No European country has the experience of eradicating an ant population. It took some time to find contacts, operators, financing. »
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