April 24, 2025 – São Paulo, Brazil. In a groundbreaking discovery that rewrites the history of one of the world’s most familiar insects, scientists have uncovered the fossil of the oldest-known ant species, Vulcanidris cratensis, dating back an astounding 113 million years. The fossil, found in northeastern Brazil, provides new insights into the ancient evolution of ants and offers a glimpse into life during the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

This extraordinary discovery was published in Current Biology, and it pushes back the clock on ant history by 13 million years, challenging previously held assumptions about the origins and diversification of ants. The specimen was discovered preserved in the limestone deposits of the Crato Formation, a site well-known for its exceptional fossil record.

The Vulcanidris cratensis belongs to the extinct subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, known as the “hell ants.” These ants were unlike the species we are familiar with today, possessing unique scythe-like jaws designed to capture and impale their prey. The jaw mechanism in these ancient ants was vertical, a stark contrast to the horizontal jaw movements of modern ants. The fossilized specimen, measuring about 1.35 cm in length, showcases the fine details of its anatomy, which offer clues to its behavior and role in the ecosystem millions of years ago.

The discovery provides important evidence supporting molecular estimates that place the origin of ants between 168 and 120 million years ago. With this newfound knowledge, scientists believe ants began to diversify much earlier than previously thought. This fossil bridges a significant gap in the timeline of ant evolution, reinforcing the idea that these insects were already playing a crucial role in ecosystems alongside other prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs.