Cephalotes hispaniolicus

Introduction

Cephalotes hispaniolicus is an extinct ant species known only from a single worker preserved in Dominican amber from the Miocene epoch, approximately 15-20 million years ago . This fossil represents one of several Cephalotes species discovered in Dominican amber, providing a window into ancient ant diversity in the Caribbean region . The worker measured 4.39mm in total length, with a distinctive broad head characteristic of turtle ants, featuring specialized flattened body structures including lamellae along the pronotum, propodeum, and gaster . Unlike most ant species in caresheets, this one cannot be kept in captivity—it exists only as a fossil. However, the genus Cephalotes contains numerous living species maintained by advanced antkeepers. These turtle ants are known for their flattened heads, ability to glide from trees, and complex nest structures in hollow plant stems [AntWiki].