Adaptive Radiation in Socially Advanced Stem-Group Ants from the Cretaceous
Author
Phillip Barden
Author
David A. Grimaldi
text
Current Biology
2016
26
515
521
journal article
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.12.060
4f330383-51a0-4406-bec4-9a9fc6d33f8d
269536
7F08DE99-7838-40CB-BD40-8123E8C5AC94
Description (gyne)
Camelomecia
sp
.: Tong-
112
:
fully winged (Figs. S
3
A-E; S
4
I
)
Specimen preserved within large (
2.5
x
2.8
x
1.1cm
) piece of light yellow amber.
Description
: Total length of ant approximately
6.3
; some desiccation apparent in mouthparts, petiole, and gaster. Head shape very similar to
C. janovitzi
,
1.38 in
length; eyes elongate,
0.58
long; ocelli large, bulging. Mandibles more elongate than
C. janovitzi
specimen, with overall cup-like shape with internal margin of sharp setae. Labrum partially cleared with few setae near posterior margin; lateral margins darkened, possessing sparse setae. Clypeus distinct from
C. janovitzi
, dorsally flattened with distinct posterior margin spanning width of head. Antennal segments flattened and distorted, preventing reliable measurement; scape approximately
0.75
x length of flagellomere I. Pronotum with faint row of short setae along anterior margin, anteriorly pronotum narrowing greatly into neck before meeting head; promesonotal suture highly visible, appearing flexible, mesosoma constricted ventrally at this suture; scutellum bulbous, developed dorsally; propodeum with sheer posterior face, broadly rounded at posterodorsal margin, possessing stout spines; metapleural gland opening present, gaping. Propleuron reduced; mesopleuron developed, rounded laterally. Mid- and hind-legs with visible trochantellus; pretarsal claw with subapical tooth; tibial spurs as in
C. janovitzi
. Petiole pedunculae and elongate, gradually expanded to meet abdominal segment III, with single ventral spicule near anterior margin. Gaster elongate, distinct constriction between III and IV abdominal segments; third valvulae and sting visible.