This fossil, part of the extinct Haidomyrmecinae subfamily, was preserved in limestone and features specialized scythe-like jaws used for predation.

The fossil was discovered by researcher Anderson Lepeco in September 2024 while examining specimens at the Museum of Zoology at the University of São Paulo.

This discovery helps bridge the evolutionary gap between ants and their wasp ancestors, allowing researchers to better calibrate the ant evolutionary tree.

A newly discovered fossilized 'hell ant' named Vulcanidris cratensis from northeastern Brazil may be the oldest ant ever found, dating back approximately 113 million years to the Cretaceous period.

Vulcanidris coexisted with a diverse array of species, including spiders, crustaceans, pterosaurs, and dinosaurs, suggesting a rich prehistoric ecosystem.

Research indicates that even early ants like Vulcanidris had evolved complex adaptations, such as specialized feeding apparatuses that differ significantly from modern ants.

Measuring about half an inch, Vulcanidris cratensis had specialized jaws for capturing prey and wings, indicating it was a capable flier.

Molecular studies suggest that ants originated between 168 million and 120 million years ago, indicating that Vulcanidris supports an earlier emergence of ants than previously thought.

The fossil exhibits wasp-like characteristics, including wings with more veins than those found in modern ants, highlighting a common ancestry between ants and wasps.

Phil Barden, an evolutionary insect expert, described this find as a significant extension of the ant fossil record by approximately ten million years.

Lepeco emphasized the importance of examining existing collections for significant paleontological discoveries, particularly in Brazil's underexplored fossil insect fauna.

The research was supported by funding from FAPESP and published in Current Biology, marking a significant step in the study of ant evolution.