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3w ago

113-Million-Year-Old Fossil Identified as Oldest Known Ant

The discovery of Vulcanidris cratensis in Brazil extends the ant fossil record by 13 million years and reveals early global ant dispersal.

A 113-million-year-old fossilized ant preserved in limestone unearthed in northeastern Brazil, the world's oldest-known ant specimen is seen in this photograph released on April 24, 2025. Anderson Lepeco/Current Biology/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

Overview

  • Researchers identified Vulcanidris cratensis, a 113-million-year-old fossilized ant from Brazil's Crato Formation, as the oldest definitive ant known to science.
  • The fossil exhibits specialized vertical mandibles and a stinger, indicating advanced predatory adaptations distinct from modern ants.
  • This finding pushes the ant fossil record back by 13 million years, surpassing previous discoveries in France and Myanmar preserved in amber.
  • The discovery supports molecular estimates placing ant origins between 168 and 120 million years ago and highlights early diversification of ant lineages.
  • The fossil was preserved in limestone and analyzed using micro-CT imaging, demonstrating the value of reexamining historical collections for paleontological breakthroughs.