a second outbreak of electric ants reported in the Var

A new outbreak of invasive electric ants, originating from South America, has been reported in the Var. This is the second time that this species has been spotted in France: a first outbreak was identified in 2022 in Toulon. “It is spreading in Europe”confirms Olivier Blight, ant specialist at the University of Avignon, at the microphone of France Inter this Monday, November 18, 2024.

This species, known by scientists as Wasmannia auropunctata, has been classified as an invasive and worrying species by the European Union since 2022.

Very painful bites

This time, the alert was given by the owner of a house in La Croix-Valmer, after his children were bitten. To our colleagues, he describes these bites as “very painful” et “extremely irritating, like an electric shock”.

Beyond the discomfort for humans, this species represents a threat to biodiversity: “It is one of the worst species that can be found in the world, because it causes considerable damage to ecosystems”still affirms Olivier Blight.

To find out more: read the article by France Inter .