Potential distribution of the weaver ant Oecophylla under current and future climate.

BACKGROUND

Climate change is reshaping the distribution of species worldwide, impacting ecosystems and human activities. In this study, we focus on Oecophylla longinoda and Oecophylla smaragdina, which are vital for agricultural pest control, traditional medicine, and as food sources in Africa and Asia. Understanding their potential distribution changes in response to global climate shifts is crucial for ecological and economic reasons.

RESULTS

Using the MaxEnt model with 19 bioclimatic variables and elevation, this study predicts potential distribution shifts for O. longinoda and O. smaragdina under various climate scenarios for the present and future (2050 and 2070). Our analysis identifies precipitation and temperature as key environmental variables influencing the distribution of O. longinoda and O. smaragdina, respectively. The results indicate a significant potential for the expansion of their distribution ranges, suggesting enhanced roles in natural pest control and possible reductions in chemical pesticide reliance.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the potential for Oecophylla ants to shift in distribution under climate change, particularly in agricultural pest control. As these ant populations expand across different regions, they may play an important role in future pest management strategies. Our study provides key insights for further exploring how to use Oecophylla ants for biological pest control and provides a valuable reference for developing agricultural pest management measures in response to climate change. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.