红火蚁觅食行为及其在防治中的应用

红火蚁Solenopsis invicta Buren是极具危害性的入侵生物，已在我国多个省份地区扩散成灾。近年来，国内外在红火蚁觅食行为领域取得了一系列研究进展，为红火蚁防控提供了新的思路与方法。本文回顾了红火蚁觅食行为的相关研究，综述了红火蚁觅食的过程、行为机制及影响因素，并分析了觅食行为与防治的联系。红火蚁可广泛地采集和利用不同类型、大小和成分的食物。其觅食过程分为食物搜寻、搬运与处理等阶段，在这一过程中也可能伴随着食物埋藏、铺路越障和工具利用等行为。目前已报道多种跟踪信息素和关键基因可以调控红火蚁的觅食行为。此外，多种生物和非生物因素也会影响红火蚁的觅食行为和策略。基于红火蚁特殊的觅食行为模式，有望开发出专一性更强、对非靶标生物安全的监测和防控技术。建议在今后的研究中进一步探索红火蚁觅食行为的模式及其分子和化学机制，更好地将理论研究与防治实践相结合，控制红火蚁疫情蔓延危害。

Foraging behavior of red imported fire ant and its application in fire ant control

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is a severe invasive pest that has spread in many regions of China. In recent years, much research has been done on the foraging behavior of S. invicta, bringing new insight into S. invicta control. Here, we reviewed studies on the behavioral processes, mechanisms, and influencing factors of S. invicta foraging and their relationship with S. invicta management. S. invicta can collect and utilize food with various types, sizes, and components. The foraging processes of S. invicta can be divided into food searching, transport, and processing. Interestingly, food-burying, paving, and tool-using behaviors may occur during foraging. Several trail pheromones and key genes have been reported to regulate the foraging behavior of S. invicta. Moreover, various biological and abiotic factors can influence the foraging behavior and strategy of S. invicta. Based on the specific foraging behavioral patterns of S. invicta, it is expected to develop new monitoring and control techniques targeting S. invicta and therefore can be safer for non-targeted organisms. In future studies, more attention should be paid to behavioral patterns and the molecular and chemical basis of S. invicta foraging. In addition, it is essential to integrate basic studies of S. invicta foraging with control practices against this pest.