Effects of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) on reproductive success of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in northeast Texas

reproductive success of barn swallows (Hirundo rustical was monitored at two colonies near Commerce, Texas, during 1998. At the north colony, 25% of nests were depredated by the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). None of the nests at the south colony were depredated by fire ants despite the fact that density of fire ant mounds was more than three times greater than at the north colony. Differences in depredation rates among colonies may be due to attributes of the nesting sites and nesting dispersion of the swallows which limit the impact of red imported fire ants. An evaluation of barn swallow populations in Texas counties before and after invasion by red imported fire ants suggests that these ants have had no effect on long-term populations trends in barn swallows.