Oecophylla smaragdina, also known as the Asian weaver ant or green tree ant, is one of the most fascinating and visually striking ant species in the world. Known for their bright orange or green bodies and intricate leaf nests, they are a truly unique choice for experienced ant keepers. These ants are famous for their cooperative nest-building behavior using silk from their own larvae, and for their highly aggressive, territorial nature.
Oecophylla smaragdina
Weaver ants are arboreal and build massive colonies in the canopy of tropical forests across Asia and Australia. A single colony can span dozens of trees and include hundreds of thousands of workers. The nests are constructed from leaves that are pulled together and “stitched” using silk produced by larvae.
Workers forage both in the trees and on the ground, feeding on live prey such as insects, as well as honeydew from aphids and scale insects. These ants are polygyne, meaning multiple queens can coexist in a single colony. The species communicates using a complex system of pheromones, touch, and visual cues, and will fiercely defend their territory from intruders.
