Formica zherikhini

Introduction

Formica zherikhini is an extinct ant species known only from fossils preserved in Late Eocene Baltic amber, approximately 44-49 million years old . Workers were small ants with a smooth and glossy body covered in distinctive erect hairs on the head, mesosoma, and abdomen . The species had small oval eyes, a notch in the front of the clypeus (the face plate), and antennae with elongated funicle segments . This species is one of several Formicini tribe ants described from European amber deposits, representing an ancient lineage that lived during a time when the Baltic region had a much warmer climate . IMPORTANT: This is an extinct species. No living colonies exist - these ants lived approximately 44-49 million years ago and are only known from fossils preserved in amber. You cannot keep this species. If you're looking for a Formica species to keep, consider similar-looking living species like Formica rufa or Formica fusca, which are common in the antkeeping hobby.