Oecophylla longinoda (African Weaver Ant)

Oecophylla longinoda (African Weaver Ant)
 
A striking, large and fierce species of ant - renown worldwide for its weaving abilities, the Green African Weaver Ant. The queen of this species often being three different colour variations depending of harvested regions, from light green to orange/brown to reddish/green! A truly remarkably colourful species. The workers are often orange coloured.
 
Ants of the Oecophylla genus, are often associated with being very tenacious, active and interesting to watch. The tarsal adhevise pads (stick pads on feet) allow this species to virtually climb almost all surfaces with little chance of falling down. This also serves as great defense mechanism against predators as despite tremendous effort in swinging arms or appendages in different directions, one will find it rather troublesome for these ants to detach. 
 
Additionally not only is its sheer size and colouration striking to the eye but the ability of their larvae to spin silk which is then used to create an array of nest infrastructure such as corridors or nests sacks to protect the colony is something that will leave any observer at awe! 
 
Due to their arboreal nature, this species often tends to do better in large vertical setups. 
 
Whilst a fascinating species to keep and observe, it's not a species for the faint hearted and normally recommended for experienced hobbyists as a through anti-escape prevention plan should be thought about as well as a sizeable amount of food is needed to keep colonies thriving, simultaenously a well controlled environment whereby temperature and humidity are able to be steadily controlled is recommended. However, once the measures are in place, it truly is a species that woud give endless hours of observation time and most definitely, be that 'piece de resistance' feature in an exhibition. 
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.