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Biosecurity officers have seized several species of exotic and potentially deadly ants from a Canberra home, after they were advertised for sale on the website Gumtree. Seven species of imported ants were seized by officers last month as part of an investigation into the sale of exotic species over online classified sites, with one of them known to have caused several cases of anaphylaxis overseas. A reproductive colony was also taken by officers as part of the operation. The Department of Agriculture's head of biosecurity operations, Nico Padovan, said the exotic ants were a large danger to the country's native wildlife. "While they may seem small and harmless, exotic ants can pose a huge risk to our environment and way of life, and represent a significant biosecurity risk to Australia," he said. "They are predators and foragers, with single queen [ants] possessing vast reproductive capacities, making them difficult to eradicate if established." The department was tipped off about the sale of the ants online from the public. Following the tip offs, agriculture department entomologists were called to assess the ants, with the insects then seized after it was determined they were exotic. While not all species have been identified one has been named as the Asian ant Tetraponera rufonigra, which has been one of three species known to cause the most cases of anaphylactic reactions in Thailand. A decision will be made on whether the department will take further action once all species are identified. The maximum penalty for wildlife-trade offences under the Environment Protection and Biosecurity Conservation Act is 10 years in prison and a $180,000 fine for individuals. The house where the ants were found was treated by ACT Parks and Conservation officers to manage any further biosecurity risks to the area. The department indicated ongoing surveillance would be carried out if necessary. "Exotic ants are often aggressive, are resilient and compete with native species, damage crops and invade buildings," Mr Padovan said. "This is another example of potential importation and e-commerce that has been stopped in its tracks." The federal government has spent more than $150 million to eradicate exotic ants such as the red fire ant imported in recent years. In 2014, an outbreak of the species in Port Botany in Sydney affected as many as 2000 homes within a two-kilometre radius of the outbreak. More than 600 backyards were searched as part of inspections following the incident. Mr Padovan said officers were continuing to monitor sites such as Gumtree for further sales of imported animals. "Anyone who claims to be an insect lover and conceals them in small packages and sends them through the mail does not have the best interests of the insects at heart and is putting our country at risk," he said. "When it comes to biosecurity and protecting Australia, we are unashamedly antsy."

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