Technomyrmex deletus

Introduction

Technomyrmex deletus is an extinct ant species known only from a single fossil worker preserved in Sicilian Amber from the Oligocene epoch. The worker measured 3.2mm in total length . It had a very extended dorsal pronotum and mesonotum, with a very short metanotum. The specimen is incomplete - legs detached, one antenna truncated, and one mandible torn off - but it exposed the proventriculus (gizzard) structure, which is a unique character of the genus Technomyrmex . The gizzard structure is similar to that of living Technomyrmex species, particularly Technomyrmex strenus . Based on morphology, this fossil may belong to the Technomyrmex albipes group . Like all Dolichoderinae, Technomyrmex deletus likely lacked a functional stinger and instead relied on chemical defenses - exuding sticky, foul-smelling secretions from an anal gland.