Fire ant preying on a bollworm

in Ants, bees, wasps Butterflies, caterpillars — January 25, 2012 1:18 pm | no comments

Fire ants will eat almost anything.   Workers sting other insects and then tear them into manageable pieces, which they take back into the colony.  Fire ants are attracted to the oils in insects, worms and seeds. This is why oils are used as attractants and insecticide solvents in fire ant baits. During the winter months, fire ants may be less attracted to oils.  Fire ants are also attracted to sugars, such as nectar or aphid honeydew. They utilize proteins from insects and other prey.   Read more about fire ant food sources at eXtension.org.

Tags: bollworm Caterpillars fire ant food sources fire ants