Scientists Discover 120 Million Year-Old Ant Species
Posted on September 16, 2008
Biologists have discovered a species of ant living in the Amazon that they believe has been around for 120 million years. The ant species is blind, subterranean and predatory. German biologists believe it is the oldest ant species on the planet. The ant is 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) long.
Reuters reports a similar ant was discovered in the Brazilian rainforest in 2003 but it dried up in a lab accident. The specimen was ruined. Now scientists have new proof of the ancient species.
Manfred Verhaagh, a biologist from the Karlsruhe Natural History Museum, told Reuters, "It's by far the most spectacular find of my 26-year career."
The ant discovery is yet another reason why the Amazon rainforest needs to be preserved. Sciam says the scientists hope it will help lead to more information about how ants have evolved over time.