ANTSTORE World of Ants

[badman]

During a visit to Sarawak, East Malaysia, (island of Borneo) I spotted a large colony of red ants, it was either 1 very large colony over a large area or several smaller colonies, very active during morning and evening the only seemed to stop working at the hottest time of day.
I estimate the size at 1.5cm, only one caste was observed, and they were very aggressive, raising their backs at provocation, also, one bit me on the foot because I was in her way.

Interestingly their foraging path crossed over the top of a large gate, when the gate opened for cars the ants would queue up at each side, confused, and then resume their journey when the gate closed.
Lots of interesting ants in this part of the world, in 2 minutes outdoors you can find 5 different types without even trying.

Sorry about the picture quality, these are from a camera phone.

[damondeionno]

Yes, the pictures are difficult, but if I was to guess I would say Oecophylla.

If you look that up on google images, perhaps you could tell us if they are the same ones.

[JimmyVe]

Could be Oecophylla species but its hard to tell with these pictures.

[badman]

seems like a good guess. I really need a macro lense for my next trip

[damondeionno]

You don't need a macro lens. It won't always help, particularly if you are trying to photograph things that are moving.

Try and pick up one of the Canon Powershot cameras. G7 onwards. Latest is G11 but that will be expensive right now.

[McK]

Those are Oecophylla smaragdina (green weaver ants).

[badman]

canon powershot g7?... too bad they are £200. Maybe some other time

McK - Thanks, I've heard of these ants, they certainly seem like an interesting species.

[Krabbie]

Those are Oecophylla smaragdina (green weaver ants).

The smaragdina is more greenish than that I think, im not an expert but I saw a picture of a smaragdina queen and workers and they were green as grass.
Or maybe this is a variety...

[badman]

wikipedia says they come in red and green.
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[McK]

Yes, the colour differences from region to region.
On the other hand, it could also be Oecophylla longinoda, but they (mostly) only live in Australia so that would amaze me.

[Kale^^]

Without reading other replies, i guessed Oecophylla species, now that i read the posts i'm quite sure it is.

[insanebe]

canon powershot g7?... too bad they are £200. Maybe some other time

McK - Thanks, I've heard of these ants, they certainly seem like an interesting species.

and a half good macro lense is £400, without the DSLR camera lol