Formicidae family (Table 2, Figure 2)
The family Formicidae contains all ants within theHymenoptera order of stinging insects. This is divided into over 300 genera and 17 subfamilies with extant species.27Of these, six subfamilies and 12 genera have been reported in the literature as associated with immediate allergic-type reactions. The most important are listed in Table 2.
Similar to other Hymenoptera, ant species have been spread by humans beyond their native range, and are now “exotic” or invasive pests in many regions, and may continue to spread over time, especially with climate change.