Cylindromyrmex antillanus

Introduction

Cylindromyrmex antillanus is an extinct ant species known only from a single fossil queen preserved in Dominican amber dating to the Miocene epoch . This makes it a true fossil species - it has not existed as a living organism for millions of years and has never been kept in captivity. The genus Cylindromyrmex belongs to the Dorylinae subfamily, which includes army ants and other predatory species, but this particular species is known only from its fossilized remains. The queen measured 6.36mm in total length and was described in 1998 by Maria L. de Andrade . The specimen shows the species had large, flat eyes positioned on the middle of the head sides, and a distinctive striated sculpture pattern on the head and mesosoma . As a fossil species, no information exists about its behavior, colony structure, diet, or any aspects of its biology in life.