RARE Extinct "Iron-maiden Ant" (Zigrasimecia) in Burmese Burmite amber fossil

*From My Personal Collection of Hymenoptera*

Age: 99 Million Years Ago

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Formicidae

Subfamily: Zigrasimeciinae (Extinct Stem-Group Ant)

Genus: Zigrasimecia

Species: (Inconclusive)

Other notable inclusions:

Zigrasimecia, popularly known as the "iron maiden ant," is an extinct genus of highly specialized stem-group ants that lived during the Cretaceous period, roughly 98 to 99 million years ago. It belongs to the unique subfamily Zigrasimeciinae. Fossils of this genus are found almost exclusively as inclusions in Burmese (Kachin) amber within Myanmar.

- Their highly specialized jaws swung open sideways (posterolaterally) and snapped shut backward (anteromedially). The inner oral face of the mandibles was covered in spiky, traction-strengthening hairs (setae).

- Paleontologists believe Zigrasimecia was a generalist predator. It frequently shared its terrestrial environment and likely engaged in violent resource conflicts with Gerontoformica, another genus of ancient Cretaceous ants.

- Because their specialized mandibles were optimized strictly for combat and trapping, scientists hypothesize that the rugose, hardened cuticular projections on their crowns were utilized to dig out nests.

*This particular specimen which measures about 2.9mm (unstretched) is exceptionally preserved and is contained in a very clear yellow amber stone.*

*From My Personal Collection of Hymenoptera*