关键词: 红火蚁, 降雨, 气候因素, 行为, 影响

Abstract:

　　【Abstract】　Objective　To study the behavior of fire ants（Solenopsis invicta Buren）colony before, middle and after the rain and the seasonal fluctuation of ant nest in rainy season, and to provide the theoretical evidence for the control of S. invicta. Methods　The field observation was used in this study. Results　S. invicta could perceive the coming of rain and reinforce the anthill by thickening the surface soil and strengthening inner structure ahead of rain. In rain and after rain, the worker ants restored anthill by carrying moist soil out of anthill and making the water in the anthill vaporize. In a heavy rain, the adult ants would convey immature individuals to the under of anthill’s surface to avoid be dipped. In temporary rainstorm, worker ants would assemble together quickly and close the mound entrance with their bodies. Light rain and heavy rain had no obvious effect on the worker ants’ searching food behavior, but temporary rainstorm could restrain it. Furthermore, long strong precipitation would accelerate the moving and cleavage of the mounds, which made the number of ants grow rapidly. Conclusion　S. invicta has the behavior to respond to rain, and this behavior makes it keep population viability and breeding in the long and strong rain. So, the control optimum period of fire ants is before the rainy season.

Key words: Solenopsis invicta Buren, Precipitation, Climatic factor, Behavior, Impact