Scientific name: Oecophylla smaragdina. Common names: Weaver ant, green tree ant. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. Highly colonial species that live in clustered nests in trees. Nests are constructed out of larval silk and vegetation, taking the shape of orb webs. Colonies can contain several thousand workers that cooperate to care for larvae. Omnivorous, feeding on plant and insect excretions, nectar, and small invertebrates. Known for aggressively defending territories around nests with a painful sting. Play a key role in biological pest control by preying on insect pests. Workers communicate using pheromones, vibrations, touch, and trophallaxis. Alate males and females engage in nuptial flights during wet seasons. Queens establish new colonies by laying eggs and constructing first nest strands. Listed as Least Concern but some populations are threatened by habitat destruction. Studied for their advanced social behavior and complex communication skills. Le Thi Rieng Park. Ho Chi Minh City. Viet Nam.
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