Oecophylla smaragdina

Oecophylla smaragdina

Classification
Tribe: Oecophyllini
Subfamily: Formicinae

Family: Formicidae
Order: Hymenoptera
Common name: Weaver Ant

A true arboreal ant, that inhabits and dominates the tropical rain forests in Australia, South East Asia and India, but absent from the New World.

They construct arboreal nests, nests often spanning over several trees. These ants, in the most rightful sense, are epitome of evolution sewing machines and do, exhibit high degree of altruism and cooperation. The larvae of these ants have evolved to function as miniaturenate their silk in the construction of their nests.

These ants have a remarkably sharp tarsal claw, that provides them with an admirable grip on leafy substrates and human skin (as we often find!). These ants often construct translucent shades of silk to house scale insects, a homopteran that produce honey dew for the ants. Their polydomous nest is controlled by one single queen, with several potential queens called 'callow' residing in these nests.

Collected:
Kakadu National Park, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. (March, 2005).