Queensland farmer captures rare video of invasive fire ants building 'large floating rafts' - video

A farmer on the Gold Coast has captured video of fire ants forming floating rafts to survive flood waters in south-east Queensland. The footage was sent to Reece Pianta of the Invasive Species Council, who says the red imported fire ants (Rifa) only make rafts when they reach a certain density. The footage indicates there's been a surge in the population of the ants, which have infested about 700,000 hectares in Brisbane. "The concern we have is that if Rifa are floating on flood waters to lower-lying areas. They don't just inundate farmlands but wetlands and coastal habitats." Pianta says the rafting behaviour underlines the importance of properly funding the ant's eradication? Subscribe to Guardian Australia on YouTubeFire ants form rafts to survive Queensland flood waters as experts warn of surge Continue reading...