The Green Asian Weaver Ant, scientifically known as Oecophylla smaragdina, is a fascinating species of ant that captivates both researchers and nature enthusiasts alike. These remarkable insects are known for their distinctive green colouration and their ability to weave intricate nests using the leaves of trees.
Colony Form: Monogyne, means only one queen per colony.
Physically, the Green Weaver Queen Ants are big, typically 15–18 millimetres. Workers are 6–10 millimetres long, and the Majors are 10-15 millimetres with long strong legs and large mandibles. They forage, assemble and expand the nest. The most striking aspect of these ants is their bright green colour, which serves as a natural camouflage in their lush tropical habitats.
The Green Weaver Ants are eusocial insects, meaning they live in highly organized colonies with a well-defined social structure.
Habitat and Distribution of the Green Weaver Ant
The Green Weaver Ants primarily inhabit the tropical regions of Asia, including countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Their nests, commonly known as "weaver nests," are an architectural marvel. The worker ants meticulously select and cut leaves, using their powerful jaws, to create a nest that protects from predators and adverse weather conditions. How? They stitch the leaves together using silk produced by their larvae. Looking at them doing that is the most calming process I have ever seen and it can replace any professional psychologist you might need at some point in your stressful life. These nests can be found suspended from branches, resembling a leafy fortress in the treetops. These ants do not hibernate.
Find out everything you need to know about these amazing Ant Species: Asian Weaver Ants: The Masters of Nest Building and Colony Structure
Recommended Temperature: Nest: 24 - 28 Degree Celsius; Outworld: 21 - 35 Degree Celsius
Recommended Air Humidity: Nest part: 60 - 80%; Outworld: 50 - 70%
Interesting Facts and Myths Surrounding the Green Weaver Ant
The Green Weaver Ants have captured the imagination of people throughout history, leading to the emergence of fascinating myths and legends surrounding their behaviour and abilities. One such myth is that these ants possess medicinal properties and can cure ailments when consumed. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the myth persists in certain traditional medicinal practices in China.
The remarkable abilities of the Green Weaver Ant
The remarkable ability of the Green Weaver Ants is their proficiency in horticulture. They engage in a unique form of agriculture known as "ant-plant mutualism." They cultivate gardens of scale insects on certain tree species, such as the Macaranga trees, by protecting them from predators and feeding on the honeydew secreted by the scale insects. This mutually beneficial relationship allows both the ants and the scale insects to thrive. Oecophylla smaragdina and the leafcutter ants show one of the most complex communication systems in all social insects. These ants utilize a combination of chemical signals, such as pheromones, and tactile interactions to convey information within their colonies. They communicate important messages, such as the presence of food sources or potential threats, by touching each other with their antennae and releasing specific chemicals.
In conclusion, the Green Weaver Ants with their green colouration, intricate nests, and cooperative behaviour make them a fascinating species to study. Understanding their characteristics and uncovering the secrets of their remarkable abilities can provide insights into the intricate web of nature's ecosystems.
If you are intrigued by the captivating world of the Green Weaver Ants, consider purchasing a live queen ant of the Oecophylla smaragdina species.
We do not recommend these ants for beginner ant keepers.
We consider the Oecophylla smaragdina as the most beautiful ant species along with the Polyrhaches Dives aka Silver/Gold Asian Weaver Ants.