Invasive species are capable of causing considerable damage to natural ecosystems, agricultures and economies throughout the world. These invasive species must be identified and adequate control measures should be investigated to prevent and reduce the negative effects associated with exotic species. A recent introduction of an exotic ant, Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens, has caused tremendous economic and ecological damage to southern Texas. Morphometric and phylogenetic procedures were used to identify this pest ant, P. sp. nr. pubens, to Southern Texas. The populations in Texas were found to be slightly different but not discriminating from P. pubens populations described in previous literature. Analysis of the distribution and expansion of P. sp. nr. pubens found numerous geographically discrete populations and moderately expanding territories. These expansion rates were determined to be ~20 and ~30 m per mo for a neighborhood and industrial area, respectively. Several laboratory and field control strategies were implemented for control of this intensely pestiferous species. Dinotefuran exhibited high laboratory efficacy against P. sp. nr. pubens, while treatments using novaluron were inconclusive. The use of expanded-use Termidor� demonstrated trends in these data that suggest it as the treatment of choice. Other field treatments, such as Termidor and Top Choice�, Termidor and Advance Carpenter Ant BaitTM, and Transport� and Talstar� G, did not attain the success found in the expanded-use Termidor treatment. Most treatments examined were determined ineffective against high populations of P. sp. nr. pubens. Additional and more intensive population management regimes should be investigated. Abating further P. sp. nr. pubens population proliferation to other regions will only be realized from additional control research supplemented with state and federal interdiction policies.

Colony fitness, size, and reproductive potential are determined by their ability to locate and consume the optimal amounts of various macronutrients. Understanding the nutritional regulation of an ant colony furthers our understanding of their life history and can be used to produce a better baiting system. The "Geometric Framework" was used to conduct experiments determining how Paratrechina sp.nr. pubens regulated their protein and carbohydrate intake when given two sub-optimal, but complementary food sources, as well as when confined to a single food source. By analyzing how much food they consumed, we can determine how P. sp.nr. pubens regulates their food intake. Examination of the consumption results when given two choices, showed a preference for carbohydrate rich foods as well as a trend in regulation along a set nutritional trajectory. Further examination of the amount eaten when confined to a single food source, showed a higher consumption rate of the carbohydrate rich foods (p7:c35 and p14:c28). Analysis also showed a narrower range of protein intake when compared to carbohydrate. Accordingly, behavioral data indicate a pattern of consumption following seasonal shifts.

I examined the impacts of the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) on native ants (Monomorium minimum, Paratrechina sp., S. krockowi, Pheidole metallescens, Forelius pruinosus, and Camponotus americanus) and litter removal in a post oak savannah community in central Texas. The study site was divided into 3 adjacent areas, and ant-toxic bait was used, along with additional colonies of RIFA, to establish 3 different densities of RIFA (naturally occurring, low, and high). I surveyed the ants in the 3 density areas and calculated the catch per unit effort for each species. Litter baits were placed in the 3 density areas for 14 12-hour trials. The masses of the litter removed were measured, and means were calculated for each speciesdensity/ trial/date/period/bait combination. The average amounts of litter removed by RIFA and native ant were different in the 3 density areas (0.42 g, 0.0 g, and 0.75 g for RIFA in the natural RIFA density area, low RIFA density area, and high RIFA density area, respectively; 0.0 g, 0.16 g, and 0.15 g for native ants in the natural RIFA density area, low RIFA density area, and high RIFA density area, respectively), indicating that RIFA does have an effect on native ant habitat use.