I can find 50 or so emory's or western diamond back rattlers in North Central TX in the Spring easy on just one good hill. I have never heard of those kind of numbers coming out of deep South East fire ant country.
When you flip real good tin and there are loads of fire ants and no herps I just have to think they can't live under that tin in the middle of an ant bed like that. The fire ants here in East Texas are in the old rotten tree stumps and logs too.
With the way they are eating eggs in outdoor pens and have been documented as eating hatchlings as soon as they hatch, I doubt they are not having an impact.
I have to ask how many hatchlings do you see in those areas were the fire ants are bad? Adults can get away from them better so seeing a lot of adults doesn't mean the ants are not getting to the eggs and hatchlings.
Also it all depends on the species. I am sure some have managed to find a way around the ants to some extent.
Anyway I have yet to hear of a report that says fire ants are good for reptile populations.
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Noah was the first snake collector. ~Eric~

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