Materials located on the USDA Areawide Suppression of Fire Ants Web site are in the public domain and may be downloaded and used in other media without first requesting permission. However, such use does not incur any financial or legal obligations on the part of the USDA or others participating on the site.
The Agricultural Research Service first brought decapitating flies to the U.S. from their native Brazil in the mid-1990's. The female fly deposits its eggs in the ants. After an egg hatches, the fly larva matures to adulthood inside the ant's decapitated head. The adult then emerges to seek a mate. (Read more about the research.)
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Decapitating Fly Story
Detailed explanation of the use of decapitating flies for biological control of fire ants. Broadband (44.5 MB)
Attack of the Decapitating Flies
Decapitating flies attacking fire ants—and being attacked by doomed ants. Phone modem (377 KB) | Broadband (2.4 MB)
A Fly Emerges
Decapitating fly adult emerges from one of a group of decapitated fire ant heads that contain fly larvae. Phone modem (256 KB) | Broadband (2.8 MB)
"Flight Check" by Young Adult Fly
Newly emerged fly prepares to take off and search for a mate. Phone modem (404 KB) | Broadband (2.6 MB)
Fire Ant Disease Story
Detailed explanation of the use of fire ant disease for biological control of fire ants. Broadband (50 MB)
How to correctly apply contact insecticides. Broadband (14.5 MB)
Granules are easily broadcasted over small and large areas. Broadband (15 MB)
Fire ants aggressively forage and return bait to the colony. Broadband (7.5 MB)
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