The predatory activity of 12 societies of Oecophylla longinoda Latreille was observed for 124 hours during which 2,482 prey items were captured. Predation took place in trees containing the nests ("habitual" territory) and in "secondary" territories usually on the ground. The 7 following situations were observed. Ant activity 1) In the "habitual" tree situation; 2) During the passage of a column of Dorylinae; 3) In the "secondary" hunting territory of a society settled on a tree close to the bank of a river; a zone where numerous insects gathered to drink; 4) In a society centred on a mango tree in which the biological cycle (seasonal variations, blossoming time, fruit ripening) and its impact on predation by Oecophylla was closely observed; 5) In a "habitual" situation when a swarm of termites fell into the territory of a society; 6) In a "secondary" territory situated beneath a house verandah, to which numerous winged insects were attracted each night by the verandah light; 7) In the "secondary" territories of two contiguous societies during both the combat and the calm periods. "Secondary" territories are generally situated in zones, such as on the forest floor, along side water courses or beneath lights where there is a concentration of prey. At such sites, Oecophylla often capture wingless insects which they rarely catch on trees. Due to their pronounced territoriality, permanent surveillance and very efficient recruitment, Oecophylla respond extremely quickly to any increase in prey numbers. Owing to the great diversity in their potential prey, this species can be considered very effective as a biological control agent. For example, a society comprising 12 nests will capture about 45,000 prey items per year. When corrected for the numbers of individuals involved and the period of activity, the predation level of this species is similar to that of Formica lugubris.
