Dolichoderus kohlsi

Introduction

Dolichoderus kohlsi is an extinct ant species from the Eocene period, approximately 49-54 million years ago. Known only from fossil impressions in the Green River Formation of the western United States, this species represents one of the most abundant ants in the fossil record from that era, comprising about 25% of all ant fossils found in these deposits . The queen measured 4.2-5.7mm in body length, with robust mandibles, relatively short antennae, and distinctive foveolae (circular pits) on the head and alitrunk . Based on its morphology, researchers infer it was a tree-nesting ant that constructed nests in wood .