Discovery of Ancient "Hell Ant" Reveals Secrets of the Past

Have you ever wondered what the insects were like? Earth A million years ago? A recent discovery by Brazilian scientists brought to light a fascinating fossil of a species of ant known as "hell ant", which lived 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.

Hell Ant ♪ A glimpse of the past ♪

The fossil was found in a geological formation called Crato Konservat-Lagerstätte, located in what is today the northeast of Brazil. This place is famous for preserving delicate remains of Cretaceous-era organisms. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, highlights the importance of this discovery, both for its scientific value and for the contribution to brazilian paleontology.

The researcher Anderson Lepeco, co-author of the study and member of the Zoo Museum of the University of São Paulo, expressed: "When I met this extraordinary specimen, we immediately recognized its importance not only as a new species, but also as a definitive evidence of ants in the Crato Formation. "

Unique Features of Vulcanidris cratensis

The new genus of ant, called Vulcanidris cratensis, has striking characteristics. Their jaws, sickle-shaped and upward-facing, could have been used to capture and immobilize prey. This peculiar adaptation suggests that even in their origins, ants already had sophisticated and different hunting strategies than we know today.

Here are some interesting details about Vulcanidris cratensis:

• Age: 113 million years, becoming the oldest ant fossil ever found.
• Mandible Structure: Scythe-shaped superior jaws, an adaptation to predate.
• Evolution: Researchers believe that these characteristics indicate that ants were already diversifying and developing complex adaptations much earlier than was thought.

What are the Hell Ants?

Hell ants are an extinct subfamily of ants that lived during the Cretaceous. Unlike modern ants, these creatures had heads and jaws with a peculiar structure, adapted to capture prey effectively. So far, the fossil evidence of hell ants was limited to fragments found in amber dating back about 100 million years.

Importance of Discovery

The discovery of Vulcanidris cratensis not only fills gaps in the evolutionary history of ants, but also highlights the relevance of existing fossil collections. Often notable specimens remain hidden in museums, waiting for a re-analysis that may reveal new insights into ancient life.

" This discovery highlights the importance of a thorough investigation of existing collections — private or in museums — and brings out the Brazilian paleontology and the fauna of fossil insects little explored in the country," Lepeco said.

Final Reflections

The evolution of ants is a testimony of how life on Earth adapts and transforms over time. This discovery not only helps us to better understand the past, but also invites us to reflect on how species develop and adapt throughout the ages.

You want to know more about this amazing discovery? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with friends who also love science!

References:

• Science. org
• Live Science