Formica macrognatha

Introduction

Formica macrognatha is an extinct ant species known only from Eocene Baltic amber, approximately 44 million years old. This is a fossil species - it cannot be kept in captivity. The species was originally described by Presl in 1822 based on a single specimen preserved in amber. The ant measures approximately 3.7 mm in total body length, making it quite small compared to many modern Formica species. It has notably short legs and a large, triangular-shaped head. Modern researchers question whether this species truly belongs in the genus Formica, noting its distinctive morphology precludes confident placement within that group. As such, it is considered incertae sedis (of uncertain placement) within the Formicidae family.