Research entomologist David H. Oi opens up the world of the fire ant for listeners, taking us along their "small and sneaky" paths. These ants are not native to North America, but made their way here in the '30s via imported goods arriving in Mobile from South America. They spread rapidly and easily, which is part of the reason they're considered invasive: the ability to out-compete native species and lack of any formidable predator, resulting in a negative impact. They U.S. Department of Agriculture therefore gave them this special designation because of public health and agricultural concerns. Listen to it here: https://bit.ly/3orvZIt Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C . . . . #Entomologist #FireAnt #Agriculture #insectpathogens #pestmanagementstrategies #invasiveants #Findinggeniuspodcast #Healthpodcast #InternalMedicinepodcast #Biosciencespodcast