12. Weaver Ant

Common Name:   Weaver ant or green tree ant

Scientific Name:   Oecophylla smaragdina

Animal Family:   Formicidae (ants)

Description:   Weaver ants are known for their complex social structure and them ability to construct intricate nests by weaving leaves together using silk produced by their larvae. They are typically red or reddish-brown in color and have a distinctive slender body with long legs and antennae.

Population:   Weaver ants are found in larger populations, often forming extensive colonies consisting of thousands of individuals.

Found where:   Weaver ants native to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Habitat:   They inhabit a variety of environments including forests, gardens, and arboreal, meaning they

08. Wal Garadiya

 

Common Name:   Buff Striped Keelback

Scientific Name:   Amphiesma stolatum

Animal Family:   Colubridae

Description:   Typically measures around 40-60cm in length. In the Buff Striped Keelback sexual dimorphism is not very pronounced. Both male and female individuals typically have similar appearances in terms of size, coloration, and body structure. Distinguishing between males and females based solely on physical characteristics can be challenging.

Found where:   In Sri Lanka, they are found in the jungles, or in the interior of the country.

Habitat:   The Buff Striped Keelback can be found in a range of habitats including lowland rainforests, marshes, swamps, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

Food:   The diet of the Buff Striped Keelback primarily consists of amphibians such as toads, along with small fish.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

11. Agelenidae Spider

Common Name:   Agelenidae Spider (commonly known as funnel weavers or grass spiders) 

Scientific Name:   Agelenidae

Family:   Agelinidae

Description:   Agelenidae spiders are usually medium-sized spiders known for their distinctive funnel-shaped wings. They have long bodies with long, thin legs. They vary in color but generally include blue, white, or tan. They have eight eight eyes arranged in two rows.

Population:   Agelnidae spider populations can vary depending on factors such as habitat suitability and prey availability. They are genearlly widespread and not considered a threat.

Found where:   These spiders are found all worldwide, with species inhabiting various regions and ecosystems. 

Habitat:   These spiders are commonly found in grassy areas, forests, meadows, and other vegetation-rich environments. They often build their funnel-shaped webs in low vegetation, along the ground, or in corners of buildings and structures.

Food:   These spiders are carnivorous and primarily feed on insects that become trapped in their webs. They typically prey on small insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. Once ensnared in the web, the spider will immobilize its prey with silk before consuming it.   

07. Flying Snake

Common Name:   Flying snake

Scientific Name:   Chrysopelea ornata

Animal Family:   Colubridae

Description:   The smallest reach about 2 feet in length and largest grow to 4 feet. Male and female flying snakes typically have some physical differences. In many snakes species, females tend to be larger and heavier than males. Additionally, differences in coloration or patterns may also be present, particularly during mating season.

Found where:   Mostly in the dry zone and some localities in the intermediate zone.

Habitat:   In the rainforests, dry deciduous forests, plantations, agricultural areas and rural gardens.

Food:   Flying snake takes small arboreal prey, such as lizards, bats, and small rodents. It might also feed on bird eggs and insects.