According to foreign media reports, yellow "crazy" ants have appeared in seven villages in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and hundreds of people are being invaded by the species. The insects are said to attack villagers' livestock and affect crop yields, putting villagers' lives in a difficult situation.
Also known as the long-legged swift ant, this yellow-footed ant is usually found in tropical and subtropical regions. Their feet are slender and long, their bodies are yellowish brown, and they move very quickly. Once disturbed, the ants run wildly in all directions.
According to the IUCN, the yellow mad ant is one of the most serious invasive species in the world. The yellow mad ant is less likely to bite people, but instead secretes a form of formic acid that may blind the animal's eyes. This acid can cause allergic reactions in humans, but may not be life-threatening.
Experts say the ants multiply rapidly and cause a lot of damage to native wildlife. Infestations of these insects have been reported in many parts of Australia.
Dr. Planova Idia, an entomologist who studies yellow mad ants, "they don't have any dietary preferences and eat everything. He added that the yellow mad ants also prey on other ant species, bees and wasps.
The affected villages in Tamil Nadu are located in hilly areas surrounding the forest, and most of the villagers are farmers or cattle breeders.
"Once close to the forest, ants will crawl on us and blisters will grow on the skin when it is stimulated. We can't even bring water to drink because as soon as they see the water, they flock to it and we don't know what to do. Selvamm, a 55-year-old farmer, said.
Villagers have seen these ants in the forest for the past few years, but this is the first time they have appeared in such a large number in the village.
Herders living near the forest said they had evacuated the settlements due to pest infestation. Villager Nagama's goats were attacked by ants, "My house is occupied by these ants, we can't control them, their numbers are constantly increasing." ”
Government veterinarians say the ants look like ordinary ants, "and we don't know why they spread or how to control them." He said, and told the villagers not to send their cattle to the forest to graze.
Meanwhile, villagers claim that livestock and even snakes and rabbits have died after being attacked by these ants.
Experts are concerned that the spread of these insects will affect the ecology of the region.
The ants allegedly killed millions of red crabs on Australia's Christmas Island when they first invaded the island by blinding and maiming them.
Entomologists say the ants have a symbiotic relationship with aphids, which are insects that suck sap and harm crops.
"They feed on milk-like substances secreted by aphids, which is not good for crops." He said.
The problem may now have worsened due to a steady rise in temperatures. When the temperature rises, the metabolic rate of the yellow mad ants also increases, causing them to eat more. However, this cannot be confirmed without data.
Jiupai news intern reporter Liu Yating
【Source: Jiupai News】
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