Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Oldest Ant Fossil Discovered, Reshaping Evolution Timeline

4/27/2025

47 5

Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Brazil reveals the oldest ant fossil, Vulcanidris cratensis, dating back 113 million years. With its distinctive upward-pointing jaws, this "hell ant" showcases advanced hunting skills. This remarkable find not only rewrites the timeline of ant evolution by 13 million years but also highlights their adaptability in the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous period.

1 of 1

Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Brazil reveals the oldest ant fossil, Vulcanidris cratensis, dating back 113 million years. With its distinctive upward-pointing jaws, this "hell ant" showcases advanced hunting skills. This remarkable find not only rewrites the timeline of ant evolution by 13 million years but also highlights their adaptability in the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous period.