This study examines W. auropunctata’s competitive abilities between its native range of Mexico and introduced range of Puerto Rico. First, we compared competitive interactions (i.e. direct effects) between W. auropunctata and recipient native ant communities in both Mexico and Puerto Rico. We then examined the effects of parasitoids on resource competition (i.e. indirect effects) between the native host Linipethema iniquum and non-host W. auropunctata in Puerto Rico. By comparing the competitive ranking of exotic species in local species assemblages, including direct and indirect interactions, we hope to make better predictions about global invasion patterns.