【Aim】  To determine the attractiveness of the major components of Mylabris phalerata extracts to Solenopsis invicta with the aim of finding an effective lure to improve the monitoring and control of this pest. 【Methods】 The composition of M. phalerata hexane extracts was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antennal electrophysiological responses of S. invicta to M. phalerata extracts, and six major components of these, were determined using gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and the behavioral responses of workers, females, and male alates to these compounds were determined using an animal trajectory tracking system (Ethovision XT). 【Results】 Thirteen compounds were identified in the extracts. The most abundant was 9-octadecenoic acid, (E)-, which comprised 49.76% ± 1.04% of the total and had an individual content of (1.66 ± 0.4) mg. GC-EAD results indicate that six compounds, namely menthyl acetate, isomenthyl acetate, cantharidin, palmitic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, (E)-, and ethyl oleate, elicited EAD responses. The behavioral experiments indicate that M. phalerata extract, 9-octadecenoic acid, (E)-, and ethyl oleate were significantly more attractive to S. invicta workers (P < 0.05), females, and male alates than the control substance. In contrast, menthyl acetate was repellent to workers, females, and male alates. 【Conclusion】 9-octadecenoic acid, (E)- and ethyl oleate are major components of M. phalerata extracts that are attractive to S. invicta. Consequently, there is potential to use these compounds as attractants to monitor and control this pest.