Cataulacus silvestrii

Introduction

Cataulacus silvestrii is an extinct ant species known only from fossil specimens preserved in Sicilian amber, dating to approximately 25 million years ago during the Oligocene-Miocene period. Workers measured 3.8-5mm in total length, with an elongated, densely punctured black body covered in short erect hairs. The species features distinctive morphological characteristics including a convex, reticulated head with posterior spines, a slender thorax with angular lateral margins, and long spines on the metanotum. The abdomen is largely covered by the third segment, which is striato-rugulose. This species was named in honor of Professor Orazio Silvestri, an Italian entomologist.