Iridomyrmex shandongicus

Of all the fossils thus far placed within Iridomyrmex, this is the only one with strong support. While Zhang’s (1989) figures are simple line drawings with minimal detail, the shape of the mandibles as well as the wing venation is consistent with extant species within the genus. Critical details such as the configuration of the anterior clypeal margin are unfortunately missing, and the location of the compound eye is slightly anterior of what might be expected, but in general, the placement of this species within Iridomyrmex seems plausible and is accepted by Heterick and Shattuck (2011).

Distribution
This taxon was described from China (Miocene).

Nomenclature

 * † shandongicus.  †Iridomyrmex shandongicus Zhang, 1989: 278, fig. 280 (m.) CHINA (Miocene). Unidentifiable taxon, incertae sedis in Iridomyrmex: Heterick & Shattuck, 2011: 168.