Regional predictions of subterranean ant Pheidole megacephala distribution based on a global ensemble species distribution model incorporating climate and soil temperature

Our results demonstrate that incorporating soil temperature into SDMs greatly improves the accuracy of predicting suitable habitats for subterranean invasive ants. The combined CLIMEX-MaxEnt ensemble approach provides a robust framework for assessing invasion risk and identifying high-risk regions, offering guidance for early detection, surveillance and quarantine strategies, particularly near global trade hubs vulnerable to biological invasions. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.