Oldest Ant Fossil Unveiled: Vulcanidris cratensis from Brazil Dated at 113 Million Years

Paleontologists have made a groundbreaking discovery with the identification of Vulcanidris cratensis, the oldest known ant, from the Crato Formation in northeastern Brazil. Dating back 113 million years to the Early Cretaceous epoch, this fossil not only establishes a new record for ant evolution but also offers unparalleled insight into the specialized anatomical features that existed in early ant species. Dr. Anderson Lepeco, a researcher at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, underscored the significance of this finding, stating, 'Vulcanidris cratensis represents the earliest undisputable geological record of ants.' The distinct morphology of Vulcanidris cratensis, particularly its unique fork-lift style mandibles, indicates it was a formidable predator, potentially preying on other insects—a behavior markedly different from that of today's ants. Previous fossils found in amber from locations such as France and Myanmar did not reveal such advanced anatomical features, highlighting Vulcanidris cratensis's role in understanding early ant evolution. Interestingly, this fossil reinforces the theory that ants originated on the Gondwana supercontinent before proliferating worldwide. According to Lepeco, 'We have evidence they were in South America, they were in Gondwana, during their early evolution.' The fossil's discovery emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive examinations of existing fossil collections that could yield significant paleontological findings. Moreover, the detailed imaging conducted using micro-computed tomography technology further reveals the complexities of its anatomy, raising questions about the evolutionary pressures that led to such specialized traits. The implications of these adaptations challenge previous assumptions regarding the rapid development of complex structures in insects. This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of ant evolution but also spotlights Brazilian paleontology, often overshadowed in the global fossil narrative. Dr. Lepeco's work encourages future explorations into Brazil's rich fossil heritage, potentially uncovering more evidence of ancient ecological dynamics that shaped the world as we know it today.