Tapinoma troche

Introduction

Tapinoma troche is an extinct ant species known only from fossils preserved in Miocene Dominican amber, dating back roughly 15-20 million years. Only worker specimens have been found - the species was described by E.O. Wilson in 1985 based on amber pieces. It belongs to the subfamily Dolichoderinae, whose modern members lack a sting and instead defend themselves by exuding sticky, foul-smelling compounds from an anal gland. The fossil shows typical Tapinoma features: a short scape (antenna base) that doesn't reach the back of the head, and small eyes. The genus Tapinoma still exists today, with many living species found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide.