Neoponera vejestoria

Introduction

Neoponera vejestoria is an extinct ant species preserved in Miocene-age Dominican amber from approximately 16 million years ago. This is the first fossil species ever discovered in the genus Neoponera and represents the largest predatory ant ever found on Hispaniola, both extant and extinct, at least one-third larger than any living predatory ant on the island . The worker measured approximately 12.3mm in total length, with distinctive bluish-greenish iridescent cuticle making it unique among the foetida species group . The fossil shows remarkable morphological similarity to extant species, suggesting the genus has remained stable through deep time . Analysis predicts this species was a ground-nesting, epigaeic (ground-foraging) generalist predator .