Gnamptogenys casca

Introduction

Gnamptogenys casca is an extinct ant species known only from fossilized specimens preserved in Dominican amber dating to the Miocene-Oligocene period, approximately 20-30 million years ago. Workers measured approximately 1.4mm in length, with a semi-rectangular head slightly wider anteriorly than posteriorly, elongated semi-falcate mandibles, and compound eyes that are barely convex and nearly flat . The species possesses a unique morphological feature on the fourth abdominal sternum - a triangular lobe of longitudinal carination bordering a deep transverse groove - which distinguishes it from all other American Gnamptogenys species, both living and fossil . This is a fossil species - no living colonies exist and it cannot be kept in captivity.