What is it about?
We developed a novel “selective control technology” for the invasive ant species Lepisiota frauenfeldi that effectively reduces only the target species without weakening other locally existing ant species, and scientifically verified its efficacy. This study, through detailed data analysis of the control process conducted on Okinawa-Jima Island, Japan, demonstrated that the target species numbers can be drastically reduced with extremely minimal chemical application. This approach enables maintenance the resilience of existing local ant species while eliminating invasive alien ants.
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Why is it important?
In controlling invasive alien ant species, broad-area chemical spraying and bait-based insecticide methods that do not distinguish between alien and local species are commonly selected. However, in areas experiencing early-stage invasions, the very presence of local ant species acts as a crucial “biological resistance” that repels invasive alien ants. Indiscriminate chemical application often weakens this resistance and may even aid the expansion of the invasive ants, raising significant concerns. Particularly when invasive alien ants persist in surrounding areas, weakening the ant community within the control area carries the risk of failing to prevent re-invasion from these neighboring areas. Against this backdrop, our research team tried a novel approach: “utilizing the power of local ants to suppress invasive ants,” and applied this concept to control the early-stage established population of the invasive ant species Lepisiota frauenfeldi in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.
Perspectives
In addition to the technical aspect, social collaboration was a primary key to the success. Removal of this invasive alien ant in this control area was achieved through the direct collaborative efforts of the “Industry” (Ryukyu Nature Positive, SC Environmental Science Co., Ltd.), “Academia” (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, University of the Ryukyus), and “Government” (Okinawa Amami Natural Environment Office, Ministry of the Environment; Naha City Environmental Conservation Division) organizations involved in this research. Furthermore, this project can not be achieved without the support of a cross-cutting collaborative framework involving organizations with differing objectives, including the Okinawa Regional Bureau Road Management Division and Southern National Highway Office, the Okinawa Prefecture Environment Department Nature Conservation Division, and the U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa.
Masashi Yoshimura
Ryukyu Nature Positive
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Maximum effect with minimum impact: A new selective control strategy for the Browsing ant Lepisiota frauenfeldi (Formicidae: Formicinae) minimize the impact on non-target species, PLOS One, December 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337230.
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