Tropical Fire Ant Global Invasion History via Genetic Data

Genetic data traces the global invasion of the Tropical Fire Ant, Solenopsis geminata. The dataset supports research linking ant populations to 16th-century Spanish trade routes from Mexico to Asia. It was authored by Dietrich Gotzek and last updated in June 2020.

Use Cases

• Analyze genetic sequences to trace the invasive spread of Solenopsis geminata populations from Mexico to the Old World.
• Correlate population genetic patterns with historic Spanish trade routes, such as the Manila galleon route.
• Identify potential source populations, like those from southwestern Mexico, for global invasive lineages.

Strengths

• Data documents a globally distributed and invasive pest species.
• Genetic data provides a rare case study linking a biological invasion to 16th-century global commerce.
• Research is associated with a specific publication and author, Dietrich Gotzek.

Limitations

• The dataset size, row count, and specific file formats are unknown.
• Data is focused on a single species, limiting broader ecological or comparative analyses.
• The last update was in 2020, potentially missing recent genetic discoveries or population changes.

Provenance

Source

dryad

Collection Method

Genetic data analysis of ant populations.

Time Range

Covers historical invasion period linked to 16th-century trade.

Freshness

Last updated on 2020-06-24.

Geography

Global, with specific focus on Mexico, Asia (e.g., Manila, Taiwan), and the Old World.