Myrmica damzeni

Introduction

Myrmica damzeni is an extinct ant species preserved in Baltic amber from the late Eocene period, approximately 37.8-33.9 million years ago . Workers measured approximately 4.7mm in total body length, with a distinctive morphology including relatively short propodeal spines, a long and low mesosoma and petiole, and very sparse body hairs . The species was named in honor of Jonas Damzen, who discovered and donated the holotype specimen to the SIZK collection . This fossil represents a window into ancient European ant communities and shows morphological similarities to the modern Myrmica gallienii .