Oecophylla
Species accounts
Oecophylla smaragdina
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| The Weaver Ant, Oecophylla smaragdina |
In the Singaporean context, the Asian Weaver Ant Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius 1775 (subfamily Formicinae) is one of the more conspicuous ants around. These ants are able to bite and inflict some pain on one, if you step on their tiny "toes". Further, the formic acid they spray exacerbates that pain.
They are found mainly in the Indo-Australian region. The subspecies we have in Singapore is orange in colour but there is a green subspecies present in Australia, too. This is what makes their biogeography interesting as well (species independent of the Wallace and Weber lines).
These Weaver ants weave nests with leaves, using their larvae to produce silk thread. They are so adapatable, they can use almost any kind of leaves to build their nests -- even long, palm leaves. I have never witnessed the nest construction but it is said that they form chains extending to the next leaves. A satellite nests can be found in the vicinity of the 'main' nest, which houses the queen.
They are probably scavengers and food-generalists. In addition, they are seen to have an association with honey-dew producing insects, such as treehoppers, planthoppers and even some caterpillars. Perhaps their generalistic behaviour allows them to thrive in various conditions, at forest fringes and even at urban areas. They are able to utilize metal bars as passage ways.
In certain cultures (such as the Thai culture), people eat the Weaver Ants and their larvae fried with egg. It is said to be very delicious!
There are only two extant species, Oecophylla smaragdina and Oecophylla longinoda that are currently extant, with other species that are currently extinct.
I think I can go on and on about them because they are rather well-studied. A good read here.
The Weaver ant is not to be confused with the Yellow Crazy Ant. Here is a photograph of an alate Weaver Ant, with a couple of Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes).
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