The oldest sample of the known ants held its prey with strange differences, as the researchers claim

When you think about predators, large animals with sharp claws or teeth, such as tigers or sharks. However, more than 100 million years ago, a very frightening but frighteningly frightened predica has gone frightening, the jaws that resemble the sickle.

During the investigation of a large group of fossil insects at the Zoore Museum at the University of Sao Paulo, researchers in Brazil realized that the 113 million -year -old drilling represents a new type of ant and may be the oldest sample of ants known to science. The anti -ant, named Vullexidris Cratensis, is a member of the extinct sub -category Haidomyrmecinae. It is called “Ant Hell”, Haidomycinae ant The chalk period (From 145 million to 66 million years) It is known to the excavation scientists for their very empty and specialized jaws.

“Our team has discovered a new type of fossil ants, which represents the oldest and indisputable geological registry,” Anderson Lipo, a researcher from the Zoology Museum at Sao Paulo University. statement. “What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that it belongs to the extinct” hell “of” hell “, known for its strange predators.”

Participate in composed by Lepeco a Ticket In detail, the discovery, which was published on Thursday in the current journal of biology. He and his colleagues have studied hell, preserved in limestone, through a 3D imaging technique called precise tomography, which reveals the tools of objects. According to their analysis, the ant have an impressive specialists (the mouth parts) that were placed forward, in parallel with the shape of the head in front of the eyes, which are likely to be used to stabilize the prey. On the other hand, the lower jaw moving on modern ants.

“The finding of such an anatomical anthropomorphic ant of 113 million years, challenges our assumptions about the speedy development of these insects, complex modifications,” explained Lepeco. “The complex formation indicates that even these older ants have already developed advanced predatory strategies that are very different from their modern counterparts.”

Moreover, the researchers concluded that the sample was closely linked to other types of ants, previously discovered, preserved in the amber in Myanmar. Since the Cratensis came from Crato formation-A hot point in the northeastern Brazil-indicating that 113 million years ago, ants have already spread in Haidomyrmecinae already around the world.

Lepeco added: “When I faced this unusual sample, we immediately realized its importance, not only as a new type but as a specific evidence for ants in the composition of Crato.” “This conclusion highlights the importance of a comprehensive examination of current groups – especially or in museums – and highlights the science of Brazilian fossils and unstable fossil insect animals in the country.”

The study ultimately reveals that ants have already diversified and expanded all over the world 113 million years ago, which shed light on the development of One of the most successful insects on this planet.