An almost overlooked fossil discovered in a Brazilian museum collection has revealed the oldest ant specimen known to science, according to new research. The prehistoric ant lived among dinosaurs 113 million years ago — several millennia before previously found ants — and had an unusual way to kill its prey. Anderson Lepeco, a researcher at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, said he came across the “extraordinary” specimen in September 2024 while examining a fossil collection housed at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo. The museum has one of the world’s largest collections of fossilized insects and contains specimens from northeastern Brazil’s Crato Formation, a geological deposit renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation. Preserved in limestone, the newly described extinct insect is what’s known as a hell ant, a member of a subfamily called Haidomyrmecinae that lived during the Cretaceous period between 66 million and 45 million years ago and is not related to any ant alive today, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Current Biology. The fossil species, which has been named Vulcanidris cratensis, had scythe-like jaws that it likely used to pin or impale prey. “I was just shocked to see that weird projection in front of this (insect’s) head,” Lepeco, the study’s lead author, said. “Other hell ants have been described with odd mandibles, but always as amber specimens.” It’s rare to find insects preserved in rock. Other hell ants from the Cretaceous have been found entombed in amber from France and Myanmar but they date back to around 99 million years ago. That a hell ant lived before that in what’s now Brazil means ants were already widely distributed across the planet at an early point in their evolution, the study authors noted. The discovery sheds light on how ants evolved during the early Cretaceous, a time of significant change. It also offers some insight into unusual features in ant species of this period that didn’t survive the mass extinction that ended the dinosaur era, the researchers said. Anatomical features lost to time Today, ants are one of the most conspicuous and abundant groups of insects on the planet, found on all continents except Antarctica, the study noted. However, ants haven’t always been dominant. They evolved during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous, roughly 145 million years ago, when ant ancestors diverged from the same group that would give rise to wasps and bees. It wasn’t until after an asteroid strike doomed the dinosaurs and other species to extinction 66 million years ago that ants became the most common insect found in the fossil record, according to the study. The fossil is a “pretty big deal,” said Phil Barden, an associate professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology who studies the evolutionary history of insects. “This new find now represents the oldest ant known, it extends the known fossil record for ants by about ten million years,” Barden, who wasn’t involved in the study, said via email. “Although fossil ants have been described since the 19th century…Until now, it was not clear if the absence of ants older than 100 million years was because they were not around or just that they were not preserved in deposits where people were looking,” he added. The newly identified species also had some wasp-like characteristics indicative of the common ancestry between the two creatures. For example, the ant’s wings had far more veins than those of living ants, Lepeco said. Micro-computed tomography imaging — a 3D-imaging technique that employs X-rays to view inside the ant — revealed that the bug was closely related to hell ants previously known only from Burmese amber fossils. What was most striking about the ant was its unusual anatomical features. Modern ants have jaws that grasp laterally — side to side. However, this ant possessed scythe-like jaws that ran parallel to its head and projected forward from near the eyes, the researchers noted in the study. “It could have worked as a kind of forklift, moving upwards” as the ant preyed on other extinct insects, Lepeco explained via email. “The intricate morphology suggests that even these earliest ants had already evolved sophisticated predatory strategies significantly different from their modern counterparts,” Lepeco added.
‘Extraordinary’ fossil reveals the oldest ant species known to science
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Discovery of 113-Million-Year-Old Fossil Reveals Oldest Known Ant Species"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A remarkable fossil discovered in a Brazilian museum has unveiled the oldest ant species known to science, dating back approximately 113 million years to the Cretaceous period. This discovery was made by Anderson Lepeco, a researcher at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, who stumbled upon the specimen while examining a collection of fossils. The fossil, which has been named Vulcanidris cratensis, is part of a subfamily known as Haidomyrmecinae, commonly referred to as hell ants. Unlike modern ants, which are widely distributed across the globe, this species exhibits unique features such as scythe-like jaws that were likely used to pin or impale its prey. This finding is significant as it sheds light on the evolutionary history of ants, indicating that they were already established on Earth long before many previously known species, thus extending the fossil record of ants by about ten million years.
The fossilization of insects in rock is a rare occurrence, making this discovery particularly noteworthy. Previously known hell ants were typically found preserved in amber and dated back to around 99 million years ago, primarily from locations in France and Myanmar. The anatomical features of Vulcanidris cratensis suggest it had a more complex predatory strategy compared to modern ants, including unique jaw structures that differed from the lateral grasping jaws of contemporary ant species. Researchers believe that these early ants had already developed sophisticated predatory techniques, as evidenced by the morphology of the species. The study not only contributes to our understanding of ant evolution during a transformative period in Earth's history but also highlights the evolutionary connections between ants and their wasp ancestors, as indicated by the presence of more veins in the wings of this ancient species. Overall, this fossil offers invaluable insights into the ecological dynamics of the time and the evolutionary lineage of one of the planet's most successful insect groups.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent discovery of an ancient ant fossil in Brazil has sparked significant interest in both the scientific community and the general public. This finding not only provides insights into the evolutionary history of ants but also raises questions about the representation of scientific discoveries in the media.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to inform readers about a notable scientific discovery regarding the oldest known ant species. By highlighting the uniqueness of the fossil and its implications for our understanding of ant evolution, the piece seeks to engage the audience’s curiosity about paleontology and the history of life on Earth. The emphasis on the fossil’s age and its predatory characteristics encourages a sense of wonder about prehistoric ecosystems.
Public Perception
This news is likely intended to foster a sense of excitement and appreciation for scientific research among the general public. By framing the fossil as "extraordinary" and emphasizing its historical significance, the article cultivates a narrative that elevates the importance of paleontological studies. It seeks to connect readers emotionally to the past, possibly enhancing public support for scientific funding and conservation efforts.
Concealed Information
There does not appear to be any overtly concealed information within the article. However, the focus on this specific discovery may divert attention from other pressing scientific issues or discoveries that could be equally significant but less sensational.
Manipulative Aspects
The article employs a somewhat sensational tone by using terms like "extraordinary" and "shocked," which can create an exaggerated sense of excitement. While this can draw attention, it may also lead to a form of manipulation where the importance of the discovery is overstated, potentially leading to misconceptions about the frequency and significance of such finds in the broader context of evolutionary biology.
Reliability of the Information
This article appears reliable, drawing from credible sources, including a study published in a reputable journal (Current Biology). The details provided, such as the fossil's classification and the context of its discovery, contribute to its credibility. However, the sensational language may affect how the information is perceived.
Social and Economic Implications
The discovery could inspire enthusiasm for science education and paleontology, potentially influencing public interest in related fields. In terms of economic implications, increased interest in scientific research might lead to greater funding and support for museums and educational institutions, which could stimulate local economies.
Target Audience
The article seems to cater to a broad audience, including science enthusiasts, students, and the general public interested in natural history. It may particularly resonate with communities that value scientific discovery and education.
Market Impact
While the article itself may not have immediate implications for stock markets or specific industries, it could indirectly influence sectors related to education, museum funding, or scientific research initiatives. Companies involved in educational resources or fossil conservation may benefit from heightened interest in paleontology.
Global Power Dynamics
The discovery of this fossil adds to the narrative of Brazil as a significant location for paleontological research, potentially enhancing its reputation in the scientific community. Furthermore, as discussions about biodiversity and conservation intensify globally, such discoveries may highlight the importance of protecting natural history sites.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is possible that AI-generated tools were utilized in the research process, particularly in analyzing fossil data or assisting in the publication process. However, the article does not explicitly indicate the use of AI in its creation. If AI was involved, it may have aided in organizing the information or enhancing clarity, but the core scientific insights stem from human research.
Conclusion on Manipulation
The language and framing of the discovery could be seen as manipulative, primarily through the use of sensational descriptors that may exaggerate its significance. This stylistic choice can raise public interest but might also skew perceptions of the frequency and importance of such findings in the scientific field.
In summary, while the article presents reliable scientific information, its sensationalist approach may lead to a misinterpretation of the discovery's significance. This highlights the need for careful communication in science journalism.