Prehistoric Predator: Oldest Ant Ever Found Unearthed in Brazil
By Science Correspondent
Scientists have uncovered the oldest ant ever discovered—a 113-million-year-old “hell ant” fossil found in northeastern Brazil.
The find, detailed in Current Biology, reveals new insights into ant evolution and global distribution during the Cretaceous period.
Preserved in limestone from the Crato Formation, the fossil belongs to the now-extinct Haidomyrmecinae subfamily, notorious for their terrifying, scythe-like jaws likely used to impale prey.
While hell ants have previously been found in Burmese amber, this is the first time one has been discovered in rock.
“Our team has discovered the earliest undisputable fossil record of ants,” said lead author Anderson Lepeco of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo. “Despite its age, this species already showed specialized anatomical traits, hinting at unique hunting behavior.”
The discovery shifts the timeline and geography of ant evolution.
Until now, the oldest known ants came from France and Myanmar. The Brazilian fossil indicates that ants had already diversified and spread widely across ancient landmasses.
Lepeco’s team found the remarkably preserved fossil while studying one of the world’s largest insect fossil collections.
Advanced 3D imaging revealed that the ant was closely related to amber-preserved hell ants from Asia—but with even more extreme features. Its jaws extended forward from the head, unlike the sideways mandibles seen in modern ants.
“This level of anatomical specialization so early in ant history is astonishing,” said Lepeco. “It shows that ancient ants were already evolving complex, predatory adaptations far different from those seen today.”
Researchers say the find not only sheds light on ancient ant behavior but also emphasizes the value of museum collections and modern imaging technology in unlocking secrets from the distant past.
If you have a positive story or uplifting news to share, we’d love to hear from you!
Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.
Whether it's a local hero, an act of kindness, or a personal win, your story could help spread joy and improve someone’s mental health. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one good news story at a time.
And don’t forget—you can sign up for free to get the latest feel-good stories straight to your inbox!
