Avermectin B1a: Effects on the Ovaries of Red Imported Fire Ant Queens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Avermectin B₁a causes irreversible cell and tissue damage to the ovaries of queens of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. The damage is characterized by hypertrophy of the squamous epithelium that sheaths the ovarioles and pycnosis of the nurse cell nuclei, and results in complete sterility or reduction in the numbers and size of eggs laid.