Shanoa Miller
King Kekaulike High School, Grade 11

Sponsoring Teachers: Sadie Mossman, Ron Pisciotto. Mentor: William Haines.

 

The hypothesis of this project was that I would not find the presence of Solenopsis invicta (RIFA) or Wassmania auropunctata (LFA) in highly probable immigrating insect entry zones at the Lahaina Harbor and Kahului Airport areas, because I have not observed a significant change in our ecosystem that resulted from a mature stage of immigrating RIFA or LFA. These species of ants are known to cause havoc and would greatly devastate our fragile ecosystem and lifestyle. A field survey was conducted in collecting ant species using vials containing chicken, peanut butter, and honey baits. A GPS system was used to map the ant collection data. After the identification process, the ants were placed in voucher vials and labeled. The ant identification process resulted in the collection and discovery of 16 different ant species. One of which was related to the RIFA. The ant Solenopsis geminata was found throughout the areas that were surveyed. Solenopsis geminata is also known as the Tropical Fire Ant and has been sighted throughout the state. This ant is a stinging ant but is not as potent or destructive as the RIFA. The results have determined that the RIFA and LFA were not present in the locations that were surveyed. The possibility of existence on Maui is great, as the LFA was discovered on the islands of Kauai and Hawai‘i. Government involvement by increasing field surveys for invasive insects is a good start to better Hawaii’s conservation efforts.