Oldest-known ant preserved in 113 million-year-old Brazilian fossil

The species, called vulcanidris cratensis, is part of a lineage called hell ants

Reuters

Updated At : 07:05 PM May 29, 2025 IST

Photo for representational purpose only. iStock

Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium

Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits

Yearly Premium ₹999 ₹349/Year

Yearly Premium $49 $24.99/Year

Scientists have identified the fossilized remains of the oldest-known ant — a winged insect with fearsome scythe-like jaws that lived about 113 million years ago during the age of dinosaurs and was preserved in limestone unearthed in northeastern Brazil.

The species, called vulcanidris cratensis, is part of a lineage called hell ants — named for their demonic-looking jaws — that prospered in a wide geographical range during the Cretaceous Period but have no descendants alive today.

A previously discovered Cretaceous hell ant was named haidomyrmex in honour of Hades, the ancient Greek god of the underworld.

The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising five eminent persons as trustees.

The Tribune, the largest selling English daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the newspaper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.

The Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).

Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia

Designed and developed by : SORTD

Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium

Suggested Articles