Product Description

Oecophylla smaragdina, known as the Asian Weaver Ant, is one of nature’s most astonishing architects. Renowned for their ability to weave living leaves into intricate, silk-bound nests using their own larvae, these ants exemplify true cooperative intelligence. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southern China and Southeast Asia, their brilliant orange-red coloration and highly social, diurnal behavior make them a captivating addition for advanced ant keepers. They possess exceptional vision and demonstrate complex coordination in hunting, construction, and defense.

Species Overview

In the wild, Asian Weaver Ants construct multi-nest colonies high in tree canopies. Each colony can span multiple trees, hosting up to 500,000 workers and several queens. Workers pull leaves together using their bodies to form living bridges, then employ larvae as living silk tools to weave the leaf edges shut. This species showcases extraordinary cooperative engineering, creating one of the most complex territorial systems in the insect world. They are efficient, visually guided predators, capable of overpowering prey much larger than themselves through teamwork and formic acid deployment.

Comprehensive Keeping Guidelines

Optimal Habitat Configuration

• Temperature: Maintain a warm tropical range of 24–30°C.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (65–80%) with strong airflow.
• Foraging Area: Spacious setup with abundant climbing structures for nest attachment.

Nutritional Requirements & Feeding Protocol

• Protein Sources: Live insects such as crickets, flies, and mealworms to encourage natural hunting.
• Supplemental Nutrition: Constant access to sugar water, honey, and fruit nectar.
• Feeding Schedule: Daily feeding of small prey items alongside carbohydrate sources.

Special Care Considerations

• Ventilation: Excellent airflow is critical to prevent fungal and respiratory issues.
• Habitat Complexity: Provide tree-like anchor points and open space for leaf weaving.
• Colony Growth: Expansion is rapid; plan habitat enlargement in advance.
• Experience Level: Recommended for intermediate to advanced keepers.

Important Acclimation Information

Weaver ants can experience stress during transit or initial setup. Allow 2–3 weeks for acclimation in a warm, ventilated space with stable humidity. Avoid frequent disturbance. Some initial worker loss is normal. Ensure proper airflow and consistent feeding for the queen’s recovery and colony stabilization.

Our Guarantee

• 100% Healthy, Fertilized Queen Ants
• Free Replacement or Refund If Queen Arrives Deceased Due to Shipping

Responsible Keeping Notice

This species requires careful management and specialized setups. Never release colonies into non-native environments. Always comply with local regulations concerning exotic insect keeping.

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