Instructions

1) Divide students into lab groups of two to four students each. Or allow students to work on their own if you have enough magnifying lenses or dissecting microscopes to go around.

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2) Instruct students to keep each specimen with the appropriate bag and label. That way if there are questions about identification or if the specimen appears to be a little fire ant, the correct information about where it was collected will be readily available.

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3) Hand out the Student Page “Wasmannia Identification Key” and the “Color Wasmannia Key.” Explain that students will be looking for ants that match the distinguishing characteristics of the little fire ant.

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4) After your students (with your help, if necessary) have eliminated all ants they know are NOT Wasmannia auropunctata, gather all remaining specimens, put them in their bags with the correct label inside, and store them in the freezer. These specimens may include:

• Ants you have identified as Wasmannia auropunctata, and
• Ants that MAY be Wasmannia auropunctata (i.e., you are uncertain about the identification).

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5) If there are specimens that you believe are or may be little fire ants:

• Write your (the teacher’s) contact information on the back of the corresponding specimen label.
• Put the label in the bag along with the ants and the chopstick. Seal the bag.
• If there is more than one questionable collection, keep each in its own bag with its own label.
• Mail the bags (on Maui) to: Maui Invasive Species Committee, PO Box 983 Makawao, HI 96768.

A trained biologist will identify the ants and notify you if you have found a little fire ant.

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6) Assign the Student Page “Little Fire Ant Quiz” as homework.