Our next prizefighter is a surprise entrant to the ring. Weighing merely a fraction of a gram and measuring up to 6mm--that’s only about a quarter of an inch--fighting in the red corner, it’s Anthony Extinguisher, the Fire Ant! His submission for entry was nearly overlooked since we could barely see him waving his tiny arm, but now he’s here and ready to induce fear in any Macho Manimal that dares to take him on. Make no mistake--this petite pugilist sure can pack a punch. You’ll probably see him on one of our Orlando airboat rides, but be sure you keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle!
Anthony Extinguisher is not an Everglades native; in fact, his exact origins are unknown, but he is known as an invader in many countries, including the United States, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and Australia. The fire ant wreaks such havoc in the Southeastern U.S. that the FDA estimates about $5 billion is spent each year on population control and damage and medical treatment. What’s more, Anthony’s species has received the moniker “fire ant” for good reason, as his bite feels like a lighted match touching the skin. Fire ant colonies are extremely hardy and resistant to many human efforts to control and eliminate them.
Anthony and his feisty friends made their way to the Everglades in the early 1970s, possibly traveling from Texas. Since their introduction to the area, many native species have undergone biological changes to help protect themselves from Anthony’s bite; for example, many lizard species in the Southeast have developed longer legs to help them avoid and shake off the fiery fiends. However, many Everglades natives have felt the sting of the fire ant’s presence. Fire ants target reptile and amphibian eggs as a favorite source of nutrition, descending on unprotected nests and decimating the helpless young in a matter of minutes. Since their spread throughout the Southeastern states, they’ve led to the decline of a number of important species, including the Southern hognose snake in Alabama, and many species of turtles and snakes throughout the Everglades have seen sharp losses in population.
While Anthony Extinguisher may not have been your first choice on the ballot, he could certainly prove to be a formidable foe in this week’s Fauna Face-Off Friday. Get your brackets ready and be sure to tune in for the fight--it’s sure to have a good few surprises along the way. To book one of our great Orlando airboat rides, give us a call at (866) 532-7167 today, or browse our website to learn more.
