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

Fossil Myrmica schaefersi

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Myrmica schaefersi
Tribe
Myrmicini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Jessen, 2020
Fossil
Yes (fossil species)
Distribution
Found in 0 countries

Introduction

Myrmica schaefersi is an extinct ant species from the Upper Oligocene period, approximately 24-25 million years ago. It was described in 2020 from a fossil queen specimen found in the Enspel Oilshale deposits in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany . The queen measured approximately 6.95mm in total body length, with a slightly elongated head, distinctive rounded occipital corners, and elongate mandibles with 5-6 teeth. The species had 12-segmented antennae with a 4-segmented club and two propodeal spines at the base of the gaster. This is a fossil species - there are no living specimens in existence.

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

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

No caresheet needed

Myrmica schaefersi is a fossil species and does not require a caresheet.