"...the surprisingly readable, impressive comprehensive book . . . 
the author of possibly the first book about fire ants written 
for the layman discussed fire ants as an ingredient in chili; 
a cheap, environmentally safe way to battle fire ants in the 
yard; and how fire ants are changing even the rules of golf."
—Abilene Reporter-News
 

"Readers will benefit from his lucid explorations of the 
biology of five species of fire ants with which American 
now have to cope.  This important work is a unique volume 
treating the overall biology of these economically important 
insects and will be absolutely indispensable for libraries 
that service entomological departments as well as for academic
libraries in all souther states."—Choice, April 2001


In the early years of the twentieth century, South American 
fire ants crossed the Caribbean and invaded the shores of the 
southeastern United States. These imported fire ants quickly 
found a niche in Gulf Coast fields and lawns, overpowered the 
native species, and began spreading. In the process they became
a notorious pest to some, a beneficial ally to others, and a 
potential killer to allergy sufferers. As a result, they are 
among the most intensely studied insects in the world. Near 
the turn of the millennium the dominant species, the red 
imported fire ant, finally made its long-feared leap across 
the hostile western desert into the greener oasis of southern
California, where it stood poised to infest the richest 
agricultural region in the country.


In this authoritative book, five economically important species 
take center stage. These are the red imported fire ant, the 
black imported fire ant, the tropical fire ant, the southern 
fire ant, and the golden fire ant. A general introduction and 
a history of their invasion of North America open the door to 
additional chapters on natural history, origin and evolution, 
animals that share the fire ants' nest, the mixed successes 
of chemical control, and natural enemies and the hopes for 
biocontrol. Also examined are the pros and cons of fire ants, 
their medical importance, and suggestions for future research. 
The appendices list all known fire ant species and explain how 
to prepare, preserve, and identify every known species occurring 
in the United States.


Well written and enhanced by an extensive glossary, a thorough 
bibliography of scientific literature, and more than one hundred 
photos, maps, and drawings, Fire Ants engages and informs both 
nonprofessionals and specialists.


_________________________________________________________

STEPHEN WELTON TABER lives in Michigan, where he teaches 
biology courses at Saginaw Valley State University. His first book, 
The World of the Harvester Ants, was published by Texas A&M 
University Press in 1998.