In a 1991 review of the species complex, American entomologist James Trager synonymised "S. saevissima electra wagneri" and "S. wagneri" together. Trager incorrectly cites "Solenopsis saevissima electra wagneri" as the original name, erroneously believing that the name "S. wagneri" was unavailable and used Buren's name "S. invicta". Trager previously believed that "S. invicta" was conspecific with "S. saevissima" until comparing the material with "S. wagneri". Trager notes that though "S. wagneri" has priority over "S. invicta", the name was never used above infrasubspecific rank. The use of the name since Santschi has not been associated with collected specimens, and as a result is "nomen nudum". In 1995, English myrmecologist Barry Bolton corrected Trager's error, recognising "S. wagneri" as the valid name and synonymised "S. invicta". He states that Trager wrongfully classified "S. wagneri" as an unavailable name and cites "S. saevissima electra wagneri" as the original taxon. He concludes that "S. wagneri" is, in fact, the original name and has priority over "S. invicta".