Plagiolepis solitaria

Introduction

Plagiolepis solitaria is an extinct ant species known only from Eocene Baltic amber, dating back approximately 45 million years . This tiny fossil ant measured just 2-3 mm in body length, with males being the only caste preserved in the fossil record . The species belongs to the subfamily Formicinae and was described from specimens trapped in ancient tree resin that now forms the famous Baltic amber deposits of Northern Europe . This species provides a glimpse into ant evolution during the Eocene period, but it went extinct millions of years ago and no living colonies exist today. The species has only been documented through fossil specimens preserved in amber, making it impossible to keep as a pet or study in captivity.