‘Extraordinary’ fossil reveals the oldest ant species known to science

A remarkable discovery has been made in a Brazilian museum: the oldest known ant fossil, named Vulcanidris cratensis, dating back 113 million years, has been found. This prehistoric insect, discovered by researcher Anderson Lepeco at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, is a member of the extinct subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, known as hell ants, which existed during the Cretaceous period. The fossil, preserved in limestone from the Crato Formation, features unique scythe-like jaws, offering insight into the predatory strategies of early ants. This finding, published in the journal Current Biology, extends the known fossil record for ants by about ten million years, suggesting a much earlier distribution of ants globally than previously understood.
The discovery of Vulcanidris cratensis provides significant context for understanding ant evolution, especially during the early Cretaceous period—a time marked by major evolutionary changes. The fossil's anatomical features highlight the evolutionary divergence of ants from wasps and bees, as well as the sophisticated predatory adaptations that early ants developed. The research underscores that ants, now ubiquitous except in Antarctica, were not always dominant and only became so after the mass extinction event that ended the dinosaur era. This study not only enhances our understanding of ant evolution but also prompts further exploration into why older ant fossils have been elusive until now, potentially due to preservation conditions rather than absence in the fossil record.
RATING
The article provides a detailed and accurate account of the discovery of the oldest known ant fossil, supported by credible sources and expert commentary. It effectively communicates the scientific significance of the finding, particularly in extending the known fossil record for ants and providing insights into their early evolution. However, the article could benefit from enhanced transparency and clarity, particularly in explaining scientific methods and terminology for a general audience. While the topic may not have widespread public interest or impact, it engages readers interested in science and natural history. Overall, the article is a well-researched and informative piece that contributes to our understanding of Earth's ancient past.
RATING DETAILS
The article presents a largely accurate depiction of the discovery of the oldest known ant fossil. It correctly identifies the fossil as belonging to the subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, commonly referred to as 'hell ants,' and notes its age of 113 million years, which extends the known fossil record for ants by about ten million years. The article also accurately describes the fossil's preservation in limestone, a rarity compared to the more common amber preservation, and highlights the unique anatomical features of the ant, such as its scythe-like jaws. However, the article could benefit from additional verification regarding the precise location of the fossil's discovery within the Crato Formation and the specific evolutionary implications of its anatomical features. Overall, the article is well-supported by expert commentary and scientific study, but some claims would benefit from further corroboration.
The article maintains a good balance by presenting multiple perspectives on the significance of the fossil discovery. It includes quotes from the lead researcher, Anderson Lepeco, and an independent expert, Phil Barden, providing a well-rounded view of the discovery's importance. However, the article primarily focuses on the scientific and evolutionary aspects of the discovery, potentially overlooking broader ecological or historical contexts. Including perspectives from other fields, such as paleontology or evolutionary biology, could enhance the article's balance by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the fossil's significance.
The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information that guides the reader through the discovery and its significance. The use of direct quotes and expert commentary helps to clarify complex scientific concepts, such as the unique anatomical features of the fossil and its evolutionary implications. However, some scientific terms and concepts, such as 'Haidomyrmecinae' and 'micro-computed tomography imaging,' may be challenging for a general audience to understand without further explanation. Simplifying or providing additional context for these terms could improve the article's clarity and accessibility.
The article cites credible sources, including Anderson Lepeco, a researcher at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, and Phil Barden, an associate professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Both experts are well-regarded in their respective fields, lending authority to the article's claims. Additionally, the study is published in the reputable journal Current Biology, further reinforcing the credibility of the information presented. However, the article could improve by including references to other studies or sources that corroborate the findings, which would enhance the overall reliability of the reporting.
The article provides a reasonable level of transparency by explaining the methodology used to discover and analyze the fossil, such as micro-computed tomography imaging. It also discloses the affiliations of the researchers involved, which helps readers understand the basis for the claims made. However, the article could improve transparency by providing more detailed information about the study's funding sources or potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, a clearer explanation of the scientific methods and terminology used in the study would enhance the article's transparency and help readers better understand the findings.
Sources
- https://www.science.org/content/article/oldest-ant-fossil-ever-found-reveals-history-hell-ants
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424120755.htm
- https://www.livescience.com/animals/extinct-species/hell-ant-with-scythe-like-jaws-may-be-oldest-ant-fossil-ever-discovered
- https://www.sciencealert.com/113-million-year-old-hell-ant-discovery-is-oldest-ever-found
- https://www.peacenvape.com/livredor.php
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