Oecophylla (genus - predators)
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Oecophylla Smith, 1860 - (weaver ants)
The ants of the genus Oecophylla are predatory insects which are found in tropical Asia, Australia and Africa. They live in colonies in trees with more than 100 nests per colony, covering many trees. They are valuable biological control agents of insect pests in orchards, e.g. of mangoes, cashew nuts or coconut palms. They are also edible and a source of protein to humans.
The genus can be recognized by its nest building behaviour in trees. For constructing nests the ants fasten together leaves. The genus has several morphological characters which distinguish it from other genera of Formicidae. These include the structure of the head, antennae and thorax. The legs are very long and slender.
Type species: Formica virescens (synonym of Oecophylla smaragdina).
For a review see Offenberg, 2015.
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
