Iridomyrmex shandongicus

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†Iridomyrmex shandongicus
Temporal range: Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Formicidae
Subfamily:
Dolichoderinae
Genus:
Iridomyrmex
Species:
†I. shandongicus
Binomial name
†Iridomyrmex shandongicus
Zhang, 1989

Iridomyrmex shandongicus is an extinct species of ant in the genus Iridomyrmex . Described by Zhang in 1989, fossils were originally found in 1989, and out of all the fossils in the genus, this one has strongest support that it belongs in the genus. [1]

Ant family of insects

Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the Cretaceous period, about 140 million years ago, and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. More than 12,500 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their elbowed antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.

<i>Iridomyrmex</i> Genus of ants

Iridomyrmex, or the rainbow ant is a genus of ant first described by Austrian entomologist Gustav Mayr in 1862. He placed it in the subfamily Dolichoderinae of the family Formicidae. There are 79 described species and five fossil species. Most of these ants are native to Australia; others are found in several countries and islands in Asia and other areas in Oceania, and they have been introduced to Brazil, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. Fossil species are known from China, France and the United States.

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Liometopum lubricum is an extinct species of Miocene ant in the genus Liometopum. Described by Zhang, Sun and Zhang 1994, the fossils were found in China.

Liometopum potamophilum is an extinct species of Miocene ant in the genus Liometopum. Described by Zhang in 1989, the fossils were found in China.

Tapinoma baculum is an extinct species of ant in the genus Tapinoma. Described by Zhang in 1989, fossils of the species were found in China.

<i>Laiyangosaurus</i> genus of reptiles (fossil)

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References

  1. ↑ Zhang, J. 1989. Fossil insects from Shanwang, Shandong, China. Jinan, China: Shandong Science and Technology Publishing House, 459 pp. (page 278, fig. 280 male described)


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