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Ancient Hell Ant Fossil Sets New Bar in Ant Evolution
Researchers have unveiled a remarkably preserved hell ant fossil, estimated to be 113 million years old, making it the oldest known ant specimen attributed to science. This discovery, detailed in the April 24 publication of the Cell Press journal Current Biology, originated from northeastern Brazil and is part of the extinct subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, which thrived during the Cretaceous period. Notably, these hell ants possessed distinctive scythe-like jaws designed for capturing or impaling prey.
“Our research team has identified a new species of fossil ant, marking the earliest indisputable geological representation of ants,” remarked Anderson Lepeco from the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil. “This particular specimen is intriguing due to its classification as a ‘hell ant,’ a group recognized for its unusual predatory features. The anatomical specializations observed in this species hint at complex hunting strategies that likely emerged early in ant evolution.”
The findings challenge previous understandings of ant evolution and distribution, indicating that these insects were more widespread and diverse than previously documented. The previous oldest ants were discovered in amber from France and Myanmar, whereas this Brazilian specimen’s preservation in limestone signifies a broader geographical distribution during the Cretaceous.
“Although hell ants preserved in amber have been documented, this is the first occasion we have observed them in a rock fossil,” Lepeco noted.
Lepeco and his colleagues unearthed the “remarkably well-preserved” fossil while conducting a systematic review of one of the largest fossil insect collections from the Crato Formation, a site renowned for its exceptional fossilization processes. This significant collection is maintained at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo.
“Upon encountering this extraordinary specimen, we swiftly realized its profound significance, not merely as a new species but as a pivotal discovery for ants within the Crato Formation,” said Lepeco. “This highlights the necessity for thorough evaluations of existing fossil collections, whether in private hands or museum settings, and shines a light on the contributions of Brazilian paleontology, especially concerning the less-explored insect fossil heritage of the nation.”
Utilizing advanced micro-computed tomography imaging—which employs X-ray technology to create detailed 3D representations—the research team found that the newly identified ant closely resembles hell ants previously documented only from Burmese amber. This resemblance suggests that these insects had a global distribution and frequently traversed the various landmasses present during the Cretaceous. Researchers expressed particular fascination with the specialized anatomical features observed in this hell ant.
“While we anticipated identifying characteristics typical of hell ants, we were taken aback by the intricacies of its feeding apparatus,” explained Lepeco. Unlike contemporary ants, which feature mandibles that move laterally, this ancient species had mandibles oriented forward, parallel to the head, with a distinct facial projection situated in front of its eyes.
“The existence of such an anatomically specialized ant, dating back 113 million years, prompts us to reconsider our notions regarding the timeline of insect adaptation complexity. The specialized morphology indicates that even these early ants had already developed intricate predatory strategies that markedly differ from those employed by modern species.”
The discovery not only enriches our understanding of ant evolution but also opens new inquiries into the evolutionary pressures that may have contributed to the unique adaptations seen in hell ants. With the advent of sophisticated imaging technologies, researchers are now positioned to explore these fossil specimens in unprecedented detail.
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