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Ancient 'Hell Ant' Fossil Discovered in Brazil

4/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Brazil has unveiled a 113-million-year-old fossil of a new ant species, Vulcanidris cratensis, marking it as the oldest known ant specimen. Unearthed in the Crato Formation, this "hell ant" showcases distinct anatomical traits that hint at early predation strategies, transforming our perspective on ant evolution during the Cretaceous period.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Brazil has unveiled a 113-million-year-old fossil of a new ant species, Vulcanidris cratensis, marking it as the oldest known ant specimen. Unearthed in the Crato Formation, this "hell ant" showcases distinct anatomical traits that hint at early predation strategies, transforming our perspective on ant evolution during the Cretaceous period.