# Argentine ants form 6,000-km super-colony across European coasts

2026-08-07T08:41:29+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Argentine ants have formed a super-colony stretching about 6,000 kilometres along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, according to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The colony links millions of nests and billions of ants, which recognise one another as allies rather than rivals. The ants originated in South America and reached Europe through shipping during the 19th and 20th centuries. Their shared genetic and chemical signatures support cooperation between distant nests. Human activity continues to spread them through soil, plants and construction materials. The invasive ants compete with native species, disrupt seed dispersal and protect aphids for their honeydew.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/this-6000-km-long-city-stretching-from-portugal-to-italy-is-built-by-the-argentine-ants-across-the-coasts-of-four-european-countries/articleshow/133025388.cms>

Tags: animal behaviour, Argentine ants, ecology, Europe, invasive species
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