Picture: Fire Ant close up. Source How to identify fire ants and nests | National Fire Ant Eradication Program
This short questionnaire by Australian Native Bee Conservation, is requesting information from the Australian Native Bee community, regarding any native bee and colony losses that may have been observed and the impact, if any, of Red Imported Fire Ants Solenopis invicata (RIFA) on their community.
The survey will potentially provide important information to assist in evidential justification for undertaking more field research about how RIFA impact native bees. Of particular concern to us are ground nesting bees and habitat loss.
The linked survey has been developed with Australian Native Bee Conservation Pty Ltd with respected native bee scientists and community engagement specialists.
We have been working with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) from the Department of Primary Industries, undertaking a review of research (nationally and internationally) on the impact that RIFA have on native bees.
In 2022 – 2026 there were considerable colony losses of native stingless bees in the southeastern region of Queensland and NSW, with some Meliponists (Stingless beekeepers) recording up to 40% hive loss. (Ref Hivecraft – Native Bee Hives, Dec 31 2025).
As the native bee industry and community is a small, fledgling industry there is little coordinated discussion or data collection when stingless bee colony or bee haven losses are experienced. We would appreciate you helping the community by participating in the survey.
Here is the link to the short survey. https://forms.gle/64inFZ8qpcVCxbuE6
