Ancient Ant Specimen Reveals Unusual Mandibles in Prey Grip, Scientists Assert
In the realm of carnivorous beasties, the first thought that springs to mind often involves big, fearsome critters, like tigers or sharks. But there existed anminuscule terrors, millions of years ago, that were just as frightening, equipped with scythe-like jaws that impaled their victims.
Researchers in Brazil stumbled upon a fossilized insect at the Museum of Zoology at the University of São Paulo, dating back 113 million years. This intriguing little relic turned out to be a brand new species of ant, christened Vulcanidris cratensis, hailing from the extinct ant subfamily, those notorious Haidomyrmecinae, or "hell ants" as they're colloquially known.
These freaky creatures reigned during the Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago) and gained infamy in the scientific community due to their vicious jaw structures. The discovery was detailed in a study, published in Current Biology, which saw researchers use micro-computed tomography, a 3D imaging technique, to peer inside the specimen and analyze its extraordinary mandibles. These mandibles curved forward and parallel to the head, in front of the eyes, which may have been used to pin prey down – quite unlike modern ants, whose mandibles move sideways.
Lepeco, a researcher from the University of São Paulo, marveled at the discovery: "We've unveiled a new fossil ant species, representing the earliest undisputed geological record of ants, belonging to a previously identified 'hell ant' subfamily. What makes this so fascinating is the ancient ants' bizarre predatory adaptations."
The analysis also revealed that the Vulcanidris cratensis was closely related to other hell ant species found in amber in Myanmar, suggesting that these fearsome creatures had roamed the world since 113 million years ago, thanks to the Crato Formation in northeastern Brazil harboring more fossil riches.
"I recognized this remarkable specimen's significance immediately," commented Lepeco. "Not only as a new species, but as potential evidence of ants at the Crato Formation. This discovery underscores the importance of thoroughly examining existing collections and emphasizes the significance of Brazilian paleontology and the vastly under-investigated fossil insect fauna of the country."
In summary, the expedition into the fossil record reveals that hell ants arose earlier in ant evolution than previously thought, and suggests a more diverse global presence for ants during their early existence. Ants have since evolved into one of the most successful insects on Earth.
- The discovery of a new species of ant, Vulcanidris cratensis, in Brazil, several million years ago, highlights the extensive history of 'technology' and complex structures, such as the 'scythe-like jaws' of this extinct ant subfamily, known as 'hell ants'.
- The use of micro-computed tomography, a 3D imaging technique, showed that the mandibles of Vulcanidris cratensis curved forward and parallel to the head, a feature similar to the 'jaws' of some 'science' fiction creatures, and unlike modern ants.
- The Vulcanidris cratensis is related to other 'hell ant' species found in amber in Myanmar, indicating that the 'environmental-science' and biodiversity of these fearsome creatures date back 113 million years.
- On a broader scale, the study of fossils on the Crato Formation in northeastern Brazil reveals that 'technology' and the advent of 'hell ants' occurred earlier than previously thought, suggesting a more diverse and global presence for ants in the early stages of their evolution, ultimately leading to their current status as one of the most successful insects on Earth.
