Argentine ants are an invasive species from South America.
Their effects on native ants and other arthropods are extremely negative. Dr. Deborah Gordon's lab has been monitoring the invasion in Jasper Ridge for 8 years. Twice a year, in the fall and spring, we conduct a survey of ant fauna throughout the preserve. This involves hiking through the preserve and visually searching certain hectares for ants. All ant species are identified to species and recorded.