Only one species in Africa, another, Oecophylla smaragdina , is found in Asia and Australasia. Erect hairs confined to the gaster, fine pubescence all over. Eyes well developed, no ocelli. Antennae 12-segmented, with the first funicular segment longer than the second and third together. Clypeus large, convex, with its anterior margin overhanging the basal borders of the mandibles.
Mandibles elongate and triangular, with apical teeth long and acute, crossing over when at rest.
Alitrunk strongly constricted in the mesonotal region. Petiole elongate and narrow in dorsal view, a low rounded node in profile. Gaster with the acidopore visible. The major workers are aggressive carnivores and scavengers, displaying characteristic alarm behaviour by raising the gaster over the alitrunk. The minor workers, in contrast, are rarely seen outside the nest, their main function being to tend eggs and larvae.