Insect · GBIF taxon 1317388
Weaver Ant
Oecophylla smaragdinaAlso known as Green Tree Ant, Green Ant, Orange Gaster Ant
Weaver ants are master architects of the canopy, famous for constructing complex nests by stitching living green leaves together with silk spun by their own larvae. Highly cooperative colonies span multiple trees, defended by aggressive workers that swarm and bite any intruder to protect their territory. These industrious insects play a vital role in tropical ecosystems by controlling pest populations and tending honeydew-producing insects.
ArborealEusocialTerritorial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
- Plant sap
Predators
- Jumping spiders
- Insectivorous birds
- Assassin bugs
ThreatsHabitat destruction, pesticide use, and extreme weather events
HabitatsTropical rainforests, mangroves, coastal forests, and agricultural orchards
Life spanWorkers live several months; queens can live up to several years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFormicidae
- SpeciesOecophylla smaragdina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Workers bite aggressively and spray formic acid when disturbed; avoid touching nests or trails.
Responsible observation
- Observe Nest Building: Watch closely to see workers form living chains to pull leaves together for stitching.
- Keep Your Distance: Avoid standing directly under low-hanging nests to prevent ants from dropping onto you.
- Look for Trails: Follow their busy highways along tree trunks to see them carrying prey and larvae.
Nest Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Philipp Hoenle · cc0
Image unavailableSpecialized Predator Chemical Mimic 
Close Relative (c) Karmesinkoenig, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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