• Vulcanidris cratensis is the oldest known ant, dating back 113 million years.
• Fossil discovered in Brazil showcases unique scythe-like jaws and wing features.
• Discovery pushes back the known fossil record of ants by ten million years.

Scientists have recently identified the fossilized remains of Vulcanidris cratensis, the oldest known ant, preserved in limestone and dating back to approximately 113 million years ago during the age of dinosaurs. This significant find was made in the Crato Formation in northeastern Brazil, which is renowned for its well-preserved fossils and diverse ancient life forms, according to Indiatimes and Channel News Asia.

The Vulcanidris specimen, belonging to the now-extinct subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, features notably specialized jaws that may have been used for impaling prey. Appearing somewhat wasp-like, the ant is estimated to be about 1.35 centimeters long and also possessed wings, suggesting a capability for flight. Lead researcher Anderson Lepeco of the Museum of Zoology at the University of São Paulo remarked that its anatomy provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations of early ants, as highlighted by Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

This new find is significant as it predates the previously oldest known ant fossils—those found in France and Myanmar—by roughly 13 million years. The discovery underscores the importance of museum collections for paleontological research, with Lepeco noting that it was previously overlooked in a private collection for decades before being identified. He expressed his surprise at the recognition of this ant as a close relative of hell ants previously described from amber fossils, according to Channel News Asia and Indiatimes.

The anatomical features discovered in Vulcanidris cratensis provide a glimpse into the evolutionary history of ants, with molecular studies suggesting that their origins could date between 168 million and 120 million years ago. This finding supports a deeper evolutionary timeline for ants, challenging previous assumptions about their development. Additionally, Lepeco mentioned that ants share a common ancestry with wasps and bees, further illustrating the complex web of life during the Cretaceous period as detailed by Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

Moreover, the ecosystem inhabited by Vulcanidris cratensis was rich in diversity, hosting various insects, reptiles, and mammals, indicating a vibrant ecological landscape. The fossil evidence reveals that these ants coexisted with primitive animals like flying reptiles and predatory dinosaurs, suggesting they played a vital role in the food web of their time. Lepeco noted the significance of ants today as they occupy nearly every environment on Earth, controlling populations and contributing to soil health, as per findings reported by Indiatimes and The Jakarta Post.