Cephalotes caribicus

Einleitung

Cephalotes caribicus is an extinct ant species known only from Dominican amber dating to the Miocene epoch, approximately 15-20 million years ago. Workers measured 3.97-4.64mm in total length, placing them in the small-to-medium size range for the genus. This species belongs to the Cephalotes pinelii clade and can be identified by its distinctive broad membranaceous expansions on the gaster and other body parts. The species was formally described by de Andrade and Baroni Urbani in 1999. The name 'caribicus' refers to the Caribbean region where the specimen was found. Unlike living Cephalotes species (turtle ants), this fossil species cannot be kept in captivity as it has been extinct for millions of years.