Discoveries and fate of six ant (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) species on the Faroe Islands

Abstract

Ants have historically not been recorded on the Faroe Islands. We report ants on the Faroe Islands for the first time, with all detections assumed to be recent accidental arrivals with human commerce. We detail thirteen detections of six ant species. The black garden ant Lasius niger has been found seven times since 1996, five times as established colonies. The red wood ant Formica rufa, Camponotus fallax and two detections of black garden ant Lasius niger were discovered in low numbers (1–4 individuals), and independent of any source of origin. No colonies of these species were ever found and the incursions are presumed to have died naturally. Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis was discovered on a seafaring vessel and once in a private home. The incursion in the private home was eradicated but it is unknown what action was taken on the ship. Ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum was discovered on a fishing vessel and eradicated. Tapinoma ibericum was found in a pack of purchased fruits. We anticipate that ant incursions to the Faroe Islands will increase with increasing human commerce, and that the ability for some species to establish viable colonies will also increase.