Quick answer
Asian Weaver Ant at a glance
The Asian Weaver Ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) is an invertebrate in the family Formicidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, West Java, Yogyakarta. Diet: predator of small insects that also feeds on honeydew from sap-sucking insects and on nectar; a omnivore.
| Scientific name | Oecophylla smaragdina |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Rangrang |
| Group | Invertebrates |
| Family | Formicidae |
| Observation records | Bali, West Java, Yogyakarta |
| Taxonomic group | Hymenoptera |
| GBIF records | 1,385 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — predator of small insects that also feeds on honeydew from sap-sucking insects and on nectar · Lucidcentral identification keys |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Lucidcentral identification keys |
| Venom or poison | Mildly venomous (weak venom for people) · Ocular Injury Caused by the Asian Weaver Ant (Cureus 2025) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Under daytime predation pressure, some colonies can switch to foraging at night. · Exélis et al. 2024, Elucidating the daily foraging activity pattern of Oecophylla smaragdina to minimize bite nuisances in Asia large agro-system plantations, Heliyon 10(4): e26105 (PubMed abstract) |
In this guide (12)
What is the Asian Weaver Ant?
Asian Weaver Ant refers to Oecophylla smaragdina, in the genus Oecophylla, family Formicidae, and order Hymenoptera. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Asian Weaver Ant?
Asian weaver ants join leaves into nests with silk produced by larvae; one colony can occupy several nests in a tree.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Asian Weaver Ant?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 1,385 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, West Java, Yogyakarta. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Asian Weaver Ant?
Record body or wing pattern, age and sex differences, and the plant or water body where the animal was seen. Leave nests and immature stages intact; one image may not support a certain identification. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Asian Weaver Ant with Straight-edge Red Parasol, Red Percher, Chalky Percher. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Asian Weaver Ant
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae |
| Genus | Oecophylla |
| Species | Oecophylla smaragdina |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Asian Weaver Ant
What is the scientific name of the Asian Weaver Ant?
The scientific name of the Asian Weaver Ant is Oecophylla smaragdina, in the family Formicidae and the order Hymenoptera. In Indonesian it is called Rangrang.
What kind of animal is the Asian Weaver Ant?
The Asian Weaver Ant is an invertebrate in the family Formicidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a predator of small insects that also feeds on honeydew from sap-sucking insects and on nectar.
Where does the Asian Weaver Ant live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Asian Weaver Ant summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, West Java, Yogyakarta. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Asian Weaver Ant eat?
The Asian Weaver Ant is a predator of small insects that also feeds on honeydew from sap-sucking insects and on nectar. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Lucidcentral identification keys.
How does the Asian Weaver Ant reproduce?
The Asian Weaver Ant reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Only queens lay eggs; unfertilised eggs develop into males. Source: Lucidcentral identification keys.
Is the Asian Weaver Ant venomous?
Yes. The Asian Weaver Ant is mildly venomous (weak venom for people). It does not sting, but its bite is painful and comes with formic acid that irritates skin; an eye injury has been reported. Source: Ocular Injury Caused by the Asian Weaver Ant (Cureus 2025).
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Asian Weaver Ant nocturnal?
The cited source records the Asian Weaver Ant as diurnal (active by day). Under daytime predation pressure, some colonies can switch to foraging at night. Source: Exélis et al. 2024, Elucidating the daily foraging activity pattern of Oecophylla smaragdina to minimize bite nuisances in Asia large agro-system plantations, Heliyon 10(4): e26105 (PubMed abstract).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Asian Weaver Ant?
Scientific classification of the Asian Weaver Ant: kingdom Animalia, phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta, order Hymenoptera, family Formicidae, genus Oecophylla, species Oecophylla smaragdina.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Lucidcentral identification keys ↗
- Exélis et al. 2024, Elucidating the daily foraging activity pattern of Oecophylla smaragdina to minimize bite nuisances in Asia large agro-system plantations, Heliyon 10(4): e26105 (PubMed abstract) ↗
- Ocular Injury Caused by the Asian Weaver Ant (Cureus 2025) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Asian Weaver Ant (Oecophylla smaragdina). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/oecophylla-smaragdina/