Formica ungeri
- Scientific Name
- Formica ungeri
- Tribe
- Formicini
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Author
- Heer, 1849
- Distribution
- Found in 1 countries
Formica ungeri Overview
Formica ungeri is an ant species of the genus Formica. It is primarily documented in 1 countries , including Croatia. Detailed taxonomic data and occurrence records can be further explored via authoritative databases such as AntWeb or the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Formica ungeri
Formica ungeri is an extinct ant species known only from Miocene fossil impressions found in Radoboj, Croatia, dating to approximately 18.2 million years ago [1]. This species was originally described by Oswald Heer in 1849 and was synonymized with several other fossil Formica species in 2014 by Dlussky and Putyatina [2]. The fossils show queens measuring 6.1-9.8mm in body length, making them slightly smaller than modern Formica species which typically reach 9-11mm [2]. The specimens preserve details of wing venation, body proportions, and coloration, showing they were brown in color with variations from lighter to darker shades [3]. This species represents approximately 19% of all ant impression fossils found at the Radoboj site, indicating it was a relatively common member of the ancient Miocene insect fauna [4].
Quick Summary
- Difficulty: N/A, Extinct Fossil Species
- Origin & Habitat: Miocene deposits in Radoboj, Croatia, approximately 18.2 million years old [1]
- Colony Type: Fossil species, no living colonies exist
- Size & Growth:
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: N/A, extinct species
- Humidity: N/A, extinct species
- Diapause: N/A, extinct species
- Nesting: N/A, extinct species
- Behavior: N/A, extinct species. Only known from fossil impressions.
- Common Issues: This is a fossil species that cannot be kept in captivity, No living specimens exist anywhere in the world, The species went extinct approximately 18 million years ago
About Formica ungeri
The queen fossils measure 6.1-9.8mm in body length (average 8.6mm), with forewings ranging from 6.8-8.8mm [2]. Males are slightly smaller at 6.3-9.3mm body length [2]. Compared to modern Formica species (which typically reach 9-11mm), F. ungeri was somewhat smaller in body size [2]. The head was longer than wide with rounded occipital angles, and the wings were nearly as long as the entire body [2]. Ten specimens were documented by Heer in the original description, with one particularly notable specimen preserved on a stone alongside the fossil plant Cystoseirites communis [3].
Why This Species Cannot Be Kept
Formica ungeri went extinct approximately 18 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. There are no living specimens of this species anywhere in the world, not in the wild, not in laboratories, not in museums as living specimens (only as fossil impressions). Fossils are mineralized remains or impressions in rock, not preserved biological material that could be revived. This means it is completely impossible to keep this species in an ant formicarium or to start a colony. If you have come across a source claiming to offer living Formica ungeri for sale, this is a scam, no legitimate ant keeper or scientific supplier has access to extinct species.
Scientific and Educational Value
Despite being extinct, Formica ungeri remains scientifically significant. It represents approximately 19% of all ant impression fossils found at the Radoboj site, making it one of the most common ant species in that ancient ecosystem [4]. The detailed fossil preservation allows scientists to study the anatomy and likely behavior of this ancient ant. Based on its morphology, it likely resembled modern Formica ants in general appearance and possibly in behavior, Formica species today are known for being active foragers, often tending aphids for honeydew, and building nests in soil or under stones. The fossil record shows that the Formica genus has existed for at least 18 million years with relatively little change in basic body plan, demonstrating evolutionary stability in this ant group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Formica ungeri as a pet?
No. Formica ungeri is an extinct species known only from Miocene fossils found in Croatia. There are no living specimens in existence. This species went extinct approximately 18 million years ago.
Where can I find Formica ungeri fossils?
The original fossils come from the Radoboj site in Croatia, which contains Miocene-age sedimentary deposits approximately 18.2 million years old. These fossils are housed in various museum collections. If you're interested in obtaining fossils for study, you would need to contact natural history museums or paleontological institutions.
What did Formica ungeri look like?
Based on fossil impressions, queens measured 6.1-9.8mm in body length with brown coloration varying from lighter to darker shades. The head was longer than wide with rounded corners, and the wings were nearly as long as the entire body. Males were slightly smaller. Overall, it resembled modern Formica species but was somewhat smaller.
When did Formica ungeri live?
Formica ungeri lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 18.2 million years ago (with a range of 20.4-16.0 million years ago). The species was described from fossils found in Radoboj, Croatia.
Are there living relatives of Formica ungeri?
Yes, the Formica genus still exists today. Modern Formica species (commonly called wood ants or mound ants) are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and are among the most familiar ants in many regions. While F. ungeri itself is extinct, the genus has persisted for at least 18 million years with relatively little change.
How were Formica ungeri fossils formed?
The Radoboj fossils are impression fossils, when the ants died, they were buried in fine sedimentary material. Over millions of years, the original organic material was replaced by minerals, preserving detailed impressions of the ants' bodies including wing venation patterns and body proportions. The exceptional detail in these fossils is what allowed scientists to identify them as Formica.
What happened to Formica ungeri?
This species went extinct approximately 18 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. The exact cause is unknown, species go extinct due to various factors including climate change, competition from other species, habitat loss, or catastrophic events. Many ant species have come and gone over the millions of years since the Miocene, while the genus Formica as a whole survived and continues to thrive today.
Can I buy Formica ungeri ants?
No legitimate source sells living Formica ungeri, it is an extinct species. If you see someone offering it for sale, it is a scam. If you're interested in keeping ants, there are many beautiful and interesting living species available from reputable ant keepers and suppliers.
References
This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .
No specimens available
We couldn't find any AntWeb specimens for Formica ungeri in our database.
Literature
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