When you think of predators, your mind may conjure images of majestic tigers stalking through dense jungles or fierce sharks gliding effortlessly through ocean waters. Yet, over 100 million years ago, a diminutive but terrifying predator roamed the Earth, utilizing scythe-like jaws to impale its unsuspecting prey. This remarkable creature is the subject of a recent scientific discovery made in Brazil.

Researchers at the Museum of Zoology at the University of So Paulo have unveiled a stunning find: a fossil dating back 113 million years that represents a new species of ant. Dubbed Vulcanidris cratensis, this fossil may hold the title of the oldest ant specimen ever documented by scientists. This ancient ant belongs to the extinct subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, often referred to as hell ants. These enigmatic insects thrived during the Cretaceous period, a time that spanned from 145 million to 66 million years ago, and are recognized by paleontologists for their unique and fearsome predatory adaptations.

Anderson Lepeco, a researcher at the Museum of Zoology, highlighted the significance of this discovery, stating, Our team has discovered a new fossil ant species representing the earliest undisputable geological record of ants. What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that it belongs to the extinct hell ant, known for their bizarre predatory adaptations. The findings were detailed in a study co-authored by Lepeco and published on Thursday in the journal Current Biology.

To analyze this remarkable specimen, which has been meticulously preserved in limestone, the researchers employed a sophisticated 3D imaging technique known as micro-computed tomography. This method allows scientists to visualize the internal structures of objects without damaging them. The analysis revealed that the mandibles of Vulcanidris cratensis were not only impressive but also uniquely shaped. These mouthparts extended forward and were aligned with the ant's head, suggesting a predatory function adept at pinning down prey. This contrasts sharply with the sideways movement of mandibles found in modern ant species.

Lepeco remarked, Finding such an anatomically specialized ant from 113 million years ago challenges our assumptions about how quickly these insects developed complex adaptations. The intricate morphology suggests that even these earliest ants had already evolved sophisticated predatory strategies significantly different from their modern counterparts.

Moreover, the research team established that Vulcanidris cratensis shares a close relationship with other hell ant species previously discovered, particularly those preserved in amber found in Myanmar. The fact that this fossil specimen originated from the Crato Formation, a well-known fossil hot-spot in northeastern Brazil, indicates that by 113 million years ago, members of the Haidomyrmecinae subfamily had already begun to colonize various regions around the globe.

Lepeco expressed his excitement upon encountering this extraordinary specimen, noting its importance not only as a newly identified species but also as crucial evidence of ant existence in the Crato Formation. He stated, This finding highlights the importance of thorough examination of existing collections whether private or within museums and brings a spotlight to Brazilian paleontology and the underexplored fossil insect fauna of the country.

This groundbreaking study ultimately sheds new light on the evolutionary history of ants, demonstrating that these insects had already begun to diversify and spread across the world a staggering 113 million years ago. This discovery not only advances our understanding of ant evolution but also underscores the remarkable adaptability and resilience of one of the planet's most successful groups of insects.