Acropyga glaesaria

Introduzione

Acropyga glaesaria is an extinct ant species known only from fossilized specimens preserved in Dominican amber dating to the Miocene epoch, approximately 15-20 million years ago . These tiny queens, measuring just 2.37-2.94 mm in total length, represent one of the most significant fossil ant discoveries because they provide the oldest definitive evidence of trophobiosis - the mutualistic relationship where ants tend mealybugs for honeydew . Fossilized queens have been found either clutching mealybugs in their mandibles or with mealybugs nearby, proving this complex behavior existed at least 15-20 million years ago . The species exists only as museum specimens and cannot be kept as pets.