Aphaenogaster mersa

Introduction

Aphaenogaster mersa is an extinct ant species known only from fossils preserved in Baltic amber dating to the Late Eocene epoch, approximately 37.8 to 33.9 million years ago . Workers of this species measured about 5.5-5.7 mm in total length and had elongated heads with coarsely sculptured bodies covered in reticulate rugae, distinguishing them from other fossil Aphaenogaster like Aphaenogaster sommerfeldti . As this species has been extinct for over 30 million years, it exists only as scientific specimens in museum collections and cannot be kept in captivity. What makes Aphaenogaster mersa notable is the remarkable detail preserved in amber despite the original type specimen being poorly visible due to a thick white film and cracks [AntWiki]. The recently designated neotype from Polish Baltic amber provides clear morphological data showing this species had moderate-length propodeal spines and a distinct mesonotal dorsum that did not rise above the pronotal level, creating a regular arch in the thorax profile . This fossil helps antkeepers understand the ancient diversity of the Aphaenogaster genus, which still contains many living species suitable for captivity today.