Science: Fiery Invader

The South, long inured to red bugs, screwworms, rattlesnakes, alligators and other varmints, irritably recognized last week that it had a new pest on its hands: the fire ant.

Reddish and only ¼in. long, the fire ant has a peculiar talent: it chews a slit in the skin of its victim, lifts the skin with its mandibles, curves its abdomen under its body and injects a dose of fluid which causes fiery pain, raises angry welts, and may form a pocket of pus. Victims highly sensitive to ant poison may be hospitalized for weeks;...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!