Formica horrida

Introduction

Formica horrida is an extinct ant species known only from Eocene Baltic amber deposits, approximately 44-49 million years old. Workers measured 3.5-4.5mm in body length, making them small to medium-sized for the genus Formica . The species is notable for its abundant pilosity - numerous short, stout erect hairs covering the entire body surface - a trait it shares with the modern genus Iberoformica . It also possesses a unique scape structure: the antennal scape is straight rather than curved, even at the base, which distinguishes it from all known modern Formica species . The anterior margin of the clypeus is angulate, another distinguishing feature . This species represents a window into European ant diversity during the Eocene period when the continent had a much warmer climate.