I read an article recently in our local newspaper about a South American fly
that the government is considering bringing into the United States to help
control the fire ants that have invaded the Southeast. The gnat-sized fly
lays eggs on the ants back, which hatch out and feed on the fire ant.  With
the honeybee a close relative of the ant, could this fly attack our
honeybees?  The research is being conducted by Richard S. Patterson, an
entomologist with USDA.  Does anyone have any more information on this
research ?  We definitely need help with fire ants, but bringing in an insect
that is not native to our country, could have disastrous effects.
Steve Genta -- Greenville, South Carolina
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