Formica procera

Introduction

Formica procera is an extinct ant species known only from fossil specimens preserved in Miocene-era deposits in Switzerland . This is one of the largest known fossil ant species, with specimens measuring approximately 21mm in total length . The fossils show a distinctive body structure with an oblong-oval abdomen nearly twice as long as the thorax . Four specimens have been recovered from the Oeningen site, all fairly well preserved though most wings were destroyed . As an extinct fossil species, Formica procera cannot be kept in captivity and exists only in paleontological collections.