Formica luteola

Introduction

Formica luteola is an extinct ant species known only from Baltic amber dating to the Eocene epoch, approximately 40-50 million years ago. The species was originally described by Presl in 1822 based on specimens preserved in amber. Workers measured approximately 3.2 mm in total length, making them notably smaller than most modern Formica species. The body was light yellow with a rounded and somewhat heart-shaped head. Modern researchers have questioned whether this species truly belongs in the genus Formica, as its small size and distinctive features are unlike any known extant or extinct Formica species. It is currently considered incertae sedis (uncertain placement) within the Formicidae family .