Oecophylla smaragdina

Name: Oecophylla smaragdina (Weaver Ant)
Origin: South and Southeast Asia, Australia
Queen: approx. 16 – 18 mm, light green-brownish colored
Workers: approx. 8 – 12 mm, polymorphic (major and minor workers)
Food: Carbohydrates (honeydew, sugar water), proteins (insects)
Humidity:
Arena: 30 – 50%
Leaf nest: 60 – 80%
Temperature:
Arena: 21 – 35 degrees
Nest: 24 – 28 degrees
Winter Dormancy: No
Nest Type: Leaf nests – the ants "weave" living leaves together into nests using larval silk, so living plants are required
Colony Size: several hundred thousand workers in the wild, significantly smaller in the hobby

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oecophylla smaragdina:

Advantages:
Absolutely fascinating nest-building behavior – the colony weaves its own leaf nests. A very active and impressive species.

Disadvantages:
Requires living plants for nest building. The species defends itself aggressively with a strong bite and acid spray, so it is only recommended for experienced keepers.

Care:
Initially a test tube nest, later an arena with living plants (e.g. ivy) for weaving their own nests. Keep constantly warm.

Feeding:
Offer sugar water or honey as well as regular proteins such as flies or crickets.