Nylanderia vetula

Introduction

Nylanderia vetula is an extinct ant species known only from a single worker specimen preserved in Miocene-era Dominican amber, dating to approximately 17 million years ago . The specimen has a brown body with shining cuticle and is identified by six mandibular teeth, a rounded propodeum, and lack of erect setae on the propodeum, confirming its placement in Nylanderia . The name 'vetula' means 'little old woman' in Latin . This species is extinct and cannot be kept in captivity. No living colonies exist, and there is no care information available for this ant.