1Department of Agricultural Entomology, Palar Agricultural College, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Melpatti, Vellore635805, Tamil Nadu, India
2Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Entomology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram608003, Tamil Nadu, India
*Email: selvamentomology@gmail.com (corresponding author)
Online Published on 25 September, 2025.
Colony inhabitation and abundance of Oecophylla smaragdina (F) nest have been explored in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu through field studies. Twenty-seven species of plants under 17 families were observed to inhabit O. smaragdina. Colony inhabitation occurred in 20 plant hosts for all the six months: in Pongamiapinnata it was observed for only two months. Number of nests were maximum with Mangifera indica (42.67), Citrus limon (29.17), Azadirachta indica (23.50). Temperature has a significant relationship with colony inhabitation and nesting. Rainfall, rainy days, cloud and relative humidity substantially reduce the colony’s composition. The colonies does not appear to be influenced by the maximum wind speed, average gust or UV Index.
Oecophylla smaragdina, Colony distribution, Colony abundance, Pongamia pinnata, Mangifera indica, Citrus limon, Azadirachta indica, Hosts, Nest numbers, Weather factors, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu
