Formica gustawi

Introduction

Formica gustawi is an extinct ant species that lived approximately 44 million years ago during the Late Eocene period. It is known only from fossil specimens preserved in European amber deposits, making it impossible to keep as a living colony. The species was originally described in 2002 by Dlussky and was previously confused with Formica flori until taxonomic revision separated them. Workers belonged to the Formica fusca species-group, making them similar in general appearance to many modern wood ants. The species has been found in Baltic amber (Poland), Bitterfeld amber (Germany), Rovno amber (Ukraine), and Scandinavian amber (Denmark/Jutland), indicating it was widespread across the Holarctic region during the Eocene . This species represents an important link to understanding the evolution of modern Formica ants. Its discovery in multiple amber deposits across Europe helps scientists reconstruct the ant communities that existed in Eocene forests. The dense decumbent pubescence (fine hairs) on the gaster distinguishes it from its close relative Formica flori . Because this is a fossil species, it cannot be kept as a living colony - antkeepers interested in the Formica genus should consider keeping similar extant (living) species like Formica fusca or Formica rufa instead.