Formica lavateri
- Scientific Name
- Formica lavateri
- Tribe
- Formicini
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Author
- Heer, 1849
- Incertae Sedis
- in Genus
- Distribution
- Found in 1 countries
Formica lavateri Overview
Formica lavateri is an ant species of the genus Formica. It is primarily documented in 1 countries , including Germany. Detailed taxonomic data and occurrence records can be further explored via authoritative databases such as AntWeb or the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Formica lavateri
Formica lavateri is an extinct ant species known only from fossil imprints preserved in Miocene deposits, approximately 11-16 million years old. The species was originally described by Oswald Heer in 1849 based on eight specimens found in the Oeningen formation in Switzerland, with additional material from Radoboj in Croatia [1]. These fossil ants provide valuable information about ancient insect faunas but cannot be kept in captivity as they existed millions of years ago and are long extinct.
Quick Summary
- Difficulty: N/A, Extinct species
- Origin & Habitat: Miocene deposits in Europe, specifically known from Oeningen, Switzerland and Radoboj, Croatia [1]
- Colony Type: Extinct species, colony structure unknown
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: Approximately 4.5 lines total length (fossil measurement) [1]
- Worker: Unknown, only queen caste fossilized
- Colony: Unknown
- Growth: N/A
- Development: N/A (Extinct species, no living specimens exist)
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: N/A
- Humidity: N/A
- Diapause: N/A
- Nesting: N/A
- Behavior: N/A, extinct species known only from fossil remains
Important Notice
Formica lavateri is a fossil species that lived approximately 11-16 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. This ant is extinct and only known from fossil imprints preserved in sedimentary rock. There are no living specimens of this species, and it cannot be kept in captivity. Fossil ants are important for understanding the evolutionary history of ants and ancient ecosystems, but they are artifacts of natural history, not living creatures that can be cared for. [1]
Fossil Description
The original description by Heer (1849) notes that the fossil queen measured approximately 4.5 lines (an old Swiss measurement) in total length. The head is slightly narrower than the thorax, and the wings are much longer than the abdomen [1]. Only the queen caste has been fossilized and described, workers and males remain unknown. The species was later found to have a junior primary homonym (Formica lavateri var. major), which was replaced with the name Formica lavateri liora in 2025 [2].
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Formica lavateri ants?
No. Formica lavateri is an extinct species known only from Miocene fossil deposits. No living specimens exist, and it is impossible to keep fossil ants as pets.
Where did Formica lavateri live?
This species lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 11-16 million years ago. Fossil specimens have been found in Oeningen, Switzerland and Radoboj, Croatia.
What do we know about Formica lavateri biology?
Almost nothing is known about the biology of this species. We only have fossil impressions of queen ants preserved in rock. We do not know their colony structure, diet, behavior, or development. They are extinct.
Are there living Formica species similar to F. lavateri?
Yes, the genus Formica contains many living species that are commonly kept by antkeepers, such as Formica rufa (red wood ant), Formica fusca (black ant), and Formica polyctena. These are entirely different species from F. lavateri.
References
This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .
No specimens available
We couldn't find any AntWeb specimens for Formica lavateri in our database.
Literature
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