This ant species lived about 37 million years ago and is distinguished by unprecedented horns not seen in any similar insects.

Associate Professor Dmitry Dubovikov from the Department of Applied Ecology at Saint Petersburg State University said: “We named this unique specimen Eridanomyrma unipetropolitana, a new genus and species, as there is no match between modern and fossil ants.”

Dubovikov added that the ant has an extremely rare head structure, lacking simple eyes, which may indicate an underground lifestyle. It also has unique jaws and a distinctive upper lip structure, along with horns never before seen in any other ant species.

The remarkable specimen was found in 2024 in the Kaliningrad region of western Russia. This rare species was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Saint Petersburg University, celebrated the same year.

The new ant, named Eridanomyrma unipetropolitana by scientists, belongs to the Formicinae family but features unique anatomy. Two symmetrical horn-like protuberances were discovered on the insect’s head, along with narrow, sharp jaws similar to those of predatory wasps, indicating hunting capability. Most surprisingly, females lack simple eyes, a feature usually present in most winged ants to aid spatial orientation.

Scientists believe this ant led a secretive life, possibly as a predator hiding in plant cavities or soil, or as a social parasite that takes over other insect colonies, using its sharp jaws to kill prey or even other female ants.

Dmitry Dubovikov explained that the specimen is unique and provided them with “a complete set of traits and insights into the ant’s lifestyle during that era,” which is important for understanding environmental processes that occurred millions of years ago.