Scientific illustration of Formica robusta ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Fossil Formica robusta

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Formica robusta
Tribe
Formicini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Carpenter, 1930
Fossil
Yes (fossil species)
Distribution
Found in 1 countries

Introduction

Formica robusta is an extinct ant species known only from fossil specimens preserved in Oligocene amber from the United States. This ancient ant was described by Carpenter in 1930 based on queen and worker specimens. As a member of the Formica genus, it would have resembled modern wood ants in general appearance, with the characteristic features of the Formicinae subfamily including a single waist segment and formic acid defense. The species name 'robusta' refers to its robust body build. Fossil ants from this period provide valuable information about the evolution of ant societies and the ecological conditions during the Oligocene epoch.

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026
Fossil

No caresheet needed

Formica robusta is a fossil species and does not require a caresheet.