Scientific illustration of Formica immersa ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Fossil Formica immersa

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Formica immersa
Tribe
Formicini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Heer, 1849
Fossil
Yes (fossil species)
Incertae Sedis
Incertae Sedis in Genus
Distribution
Found in 1 countries

Introduction

Formica immersa is an extinct ant species known from fossil specimens preserved in Miocene-era sedimentary deposits in Oeningen, Switzerland. These fossils represent ants that lived approximately 11-14 million years ago during the Miocene period. The species is very similar to the extant Formica rufa (red wood ant), with a total length of about 5.75 lines (approximately 12mm based on historical German line measurements), a relatively broad thorax, and a shorter, thicker abdomen compared to its close relative Formica primordialis. Nine specimens have been documented from the Oeningen site, with wings excellently preserved in the fossil record.

Loading distribution map...

Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
2000 - 2026
Fossil

No caresheet needed

Formica immersa is a fossil species and does not require a caresheet.