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  • Best rugby ball – Paradise Post

    Which rugby ball is best?

    Not to be confused with football, rugby is a great sport to watch and play, as it is popular among various countries around the world. Rugby is one of the top international sports in the world, but it is also a fun activity to play in the backyard, at the park and in other appropriate areas.

    The sport requires and helps develop strength, endurance, agility, speed and stamina. It may look like an intimidating sport at first, but rugby is commonly played on a professional, semiprofessional and recreational level in schools and other leagues around the world. If you’re looking for a hand-stitched and multicolored rugby ball, the Gilbert USA Official Replica Rugby Ball is the top choice.

    What to know before you buy a rugby ball

    Precautionary equipment

    While pads, helmets and other protective gear aren’t typically worn in rugby, it’s best to wear a mouthpiece when playing the sport. Even if you have no intention of getting physical when playing rugby, the sport can get intense, and there are instances where you could be in a pile, get tackled and more. A mouthpiece will help keep your mouth protected when playing and reduce the risk of you losing teeth if you make a high-impact collision with another player. Besides mouthpieces, though, there isn’t much protection equipment that is worn for rugby, but it could help if you wear padded compression shirts under your uniform.

    Sizes

    The most common sizes of a rugby ball that are used in the sport are size 3, size 4, and size 5. Size 3 is meant for kids under the age of 9 years old, and the size can be useful for beginners who are new to the sport. Size 4 is another size suitable for youth ages but in the 10- to 14-year-old range, as this size is commonly used in middle school and some high school leagues. The official size used in adult tournaments and leagues is size 5. This size is used for those 15 and over, as well as people who are experienced in the sport and want more of a professional feel.

    What to look for in a quality rugby ball

    Natural rubber

    While synthetic rubber may have better durability, natural rubber has better grip, and that is what is most important when you’re in the middle of a match. Natural rubber rugby balls can be durable as well, but with the technology available today, rugby ball brands have increasingly used synthetic rubber materials for their products.

    Hand-stitched

    Hand-stitched rugby balls may be more expensive, but they are worth it as the stitching is done precisely without error. Balls that are stitched by machine are more prone to imperfections and can cause the ball to not inflate as well. People also prefer hand-stitched rugby balls because more detail goes into the stitching.

    How much you can expect to spend on a rugby ball

    Rugby balls can range from around $15-$100. There aren’t too many factors that contribute to the price range, except that official ball replicas, signed balls, souvenirs and hand-stitched ones tend to be more in the $50-$100 range. But you can find rugby balls that can be used for tournament play and other adult matches in the $15-$50 range.

    Rugby ball FAQ

    What is a rugby ball made out of?

    A. Traditional rugby balls consisted of leather materials on the inside (similar to a football) and used a pig’s bladder for the inside. Today, modern rugby balls have an outer shell made out of either synthetic, rubber or polyester materials. These materials provide a much better grip than leather. Modern rugby balls tend to use synthetic or latex materials for the interior and the bladder. Rugby balls were commonly hand-stitched in previous times, and certain brands still use this practice today.

    Is a rugby ball bigger than a football?

    A. Rugby balls are slightly shorter, being about a centimeter shorter in length than a football. Rugby balls tend to be 27 centimeters in length, and footballs are 28 centimeters. Rugby balls do weigh more than a football, though, as they weigh approximately 1 pound, and a football weighs a few ounces less. The weight differential may not sound like a lot, but you can tell the difference when playing with a football versus a rugby ball.

    What’s the best rugby ball to buy?

    Top rugby ball

    Gilbert USA Official Replica Rugby Ball

    What you need to know: This officially licensed rugby ball comes in USA colors, allowing owners to represent the national team with the red, white and blue colors.

    What you’ll love: The rugby ball comes in a size 5, which is the regulation size, allowing the ball to be used for practices or tournaments. The synthetic latex bladder improves air retention inside the ball, so there won’t be leaks when using the ball.

    What you should consider: The ball comes deflated and doesn’t include an air pump.

    Top rugby ball for the money

    Gilbert Elegant Violence Rugby Ball

    Gilbert Elegant Violence Rugby Ball

    What you need to know: This affordable ball has a cool black skull-and-crossbones design.

    What you’ll love: It’s a size 5, so it works well for practice or recreational games. The color holds up over time. It’s a solid-quality ball for the price you pay.

    What you should consider: It tends to lose air when you use it, so it requires frequent reinflation.

    Worth checking out

    Gilbert Photon Match Rugby Ball

    Gilbert Photon Match Rugby Ball

    What you need to know: This durable size 5 ball is made for high-level training and games.

    What you’ll love: The hydratec surface allows the ball to repel water. The ball’s durable materials ensure that it will hold up and perform well over time.

    What you should consider: It’s a bit expensive. It also requires frequent reinflation.

    Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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    Originally Published:

    Source: Paradise Post

  • Bucharest skete receives relics of St. Matrona of Moscow—she promised to be with the abbot

    Bucharest, April 18, 2025

    basilica.ro     

    The Darvari Skete in Buachrest has received a fragment of the relics of St. Matrona of Moscow, which were placed for veneration following Bridegroom Matins on Holy Tuesday.

    According to the abbot, Archimandrite Arsenie (Irimiea), who has a personal connection to St. Matrona, the saint chose the Darvari Skete herself. “A Russian metropolitan, hearing of our devotion to St. Matrona and seeing a photograph of the chapel of the healing saints which included a large canopy with the icon of the saint, was very impressed and offered to give us a fragment of her holy relics,” he told the Basilica News Agency.

    “Thus, we believe that St. Matrona herself chose to come here,” said Fr. Arsenie.

    But be careful what you ask her for, because she’s known to answer prayers quickly, says the abbot.

    Abbot Arsenie. Photo: basilica.ro Abbot Arsenie. Photo: basilica.ro     

    Fr. Arsenie had his first encounter with St. Matrona while on pilgrimage to the Holy Protection Monastery in Moscow in 2008.

    “It wasn’t an ordinary meeting, but a secret, profound, and personal one. I prayed then before her holy relics, and several requests spoken only in my heart, with emotion and trust, were fulfilled almost immediately. For me it was clear: it was a miracle,” he said

    Fr. Arsenie received answers about his path in life, about which monastery to choose—“a discrete but powerful sign that St. Matrona had received me and guided me.”

    “Years later, when the question of my establishment at the Darvari Skete, in the heart of Bucharest, arose, I was at a crossroads. From readings of the Desert Fathers, the Philokalia, and the Paterikon, I had formed an image of monastic life as a secluded existence, in hesychasm, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. And I had sincere reservations—how can one truly live a monastic life in the center of a city?” said Fr. Arsenie.

    “In that period of turmoil, in the silence of my heart, I felt again the presence of St. Matrona. Not through external words, but through an inner certainty, like a whisper of light: ‘I too lived in the middle of the city. If you settle there, I will come with you.’“

    “It was a spiritual, secret promise. It gave me courage. And today, looking back, I see clearly that this promise has been fulfilled.”

    “This is, I believe, the secret of her grace: sacrificial love for people. St. Matrona never sought peace for herself. Although blind from birth and suffering, she continuously received people, comforted, advised, and carried the burdens of others,” the abbot explained.

    “She never retreated for herself, but burned, like a candle, for her neighbor. Her word had power not from book learning, but from a living, working faith, nourished by the presence of Christ. She lived in the city, but with her heart in Heaven.”

    “The fact that a small piece of her holy relics is today at the Darvari Skete is a miracle in itself and a great comfort for all of us. It is as if the saint had kept the promise made then, in secret: ‘I will come with you.’ And behold, she has come,” concluded Fr. Arsenie.

    Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!

    Source: Orthodox Christianity

  • Independent Marketer at The Startup Place Limited

    The Startup Place Ltd is a Busibess Consulting firm with key focus on Startup Development, Digital Marketing and Business Growth.
    We pull a team of passionate entrepreneurs and consultant about helping you start, grow and scale your businessJob overview:

    An interior design company with diverse business arms including design services, event rentals, and a training academy is looking for Independent Marketers to promote its offerings and generate leads.
    This is a flexible role ideal for self-motivated individuals who enjoy networking, building relationships, and driving sales.

    Job Requirement:

    proven interest or experience in sales, marketing, or customer acquisition.
    Strong interpersonal and persuasive cornrnunication skills. self-driven, reliable, and target-oriented.
    Good knowledge of social media and digital outreach.
    Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
    Familiarity with interior design, events, or creative industries is a plus. perks:

    Click Here To Apply

  • Assistant Leader – Old Khaki – Matlosana at Cape Union Mart April, 2025



    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Cape Union Mart International (Pty) Ltd has been equipping South African adventurers since 1933, and is South Africa’s favourite outdoor adventure store. Stocking everything one needs for outdoor pursuits – including hiking, camping, trail running, mountain biking, snow sports, travel and more – Cape Union Mart is an essential first step in every adve…



    Read more about this company

     





    Assistant Leader – Old Khaki – Matlosana




    Job Description

    Duties and Responsibilities: 

    • Assisting in managing all aspects of a store

    • Maximizing turnover and profit

    • Minimise shrinkage by monitoring stock related risks.

    • Deliver exceptional customer service by implementing customer experience strategy.

    • Lead Talent selection, training, coaching, retention and recognize initiatives for all team members.

    • Innovative visual merchandising to optimize sales.

    • Implement all company policies and procedures.

    • Maintaining health & safety practices

    • Optimize team through creating an inspiring environment.

    • Align team members to Company culture and create fun.

    Behavioural Requirements:  

    • Honesty in dealing with cash or finances.

    • Inspirational leadership & passion

    • Taking ownership

    • Building & maintaining relationships

    • Innovation & ability to deal with change management.

    • Thinking adaptability

    Minimum Requirement. 

    • 3 years of Management retail experience

    • Matric or Equivalent

    • Microsoft – Computer Proficiency

    • Clear Criminal record

    • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.



    Method of Application







    Build your CV for free. Download in different templates.



    Click Here To Apply

  • When you are out of power, people will not pick up your calls

    A former Kenyan Deputy Governor, Caleb Amaswache, is now hawking firewood in Luanda town to earn a living and pay his bills.
     
    The ex-Vihiga County Deputy Governor served under former county boss, Moses Akaranga. 
     
    Citizen TV caught up with him in Luanda doing his usual business of supplying firewood to various hotels.
     
    He pointed out how life has not been a walk in the park after leaving office, a situation he described as undeserving after serving as a deputy governor.
     
    He added that he could not afford to pay for his bills, including catering for his children’s education.
     
    “I need a job. I’m asking His Excellency William Ruto to consider those who were in government at one given time. We are all Kenyans and the President should take care of all of us,” he remarked.
     
    “I don’t have enough capital. I have a daughter who’s going to school and I need Ksh.200,000 for a start.”
     
    All he is left with are portraits of him and senior government officials who mingled with him during his heyday.
     
    This reflects what he went through both during his time in power and after losing it.
     
    Amaswache pointed out that his past attempts to apply for jobs were in vain, citing that his application was not shortlisted in the ongoing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner interviews.
     
    He cautioned current leaders to respect others, highlighting that power is transient.
     
    “My advice to those in power is to respect and protect those who previously served in office. Today you could be in office, tomorrow you could not,” he added.
     
    “When you’re in power, everything looks flashy, everyone respects you, but when you are out of power, that’s when you discover the true reflection of things. People will not pick up your calls because they don’t need you.”

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Dead Rails Weapons Tier List: The Best Weapons Ranked

    Weapons will be your best friend during your entire run in Dead Rails. Since the whole area is suffering from a zombie outbreak, including monsters and bandits, it becomes essential to carry arms for your own safety. Fortunately, Dead Rails offers us many options to choose from. However, like all weapons, some can be more useful than others. Confused about which one to pick? Keep reading as we list the best ones in our Dead Rails weapons tier list here.

    Dead Rails Weapons Tier List: Overview

    Image Credit: Dead Rails/Tiermaker (edited by Bipradeep Biswas/Beebom)

    There are a total of 20 weapons in Dead Rails that can be bought at the shop, found across the barren lands, or bought using game passes. Moreover, certain Dead Rails classes allow you to spawn with some unique weapons as well.

    Some of these are really flexible and useful in both solo and multiplayer runs and hence rank at the highest tier, the S-Tier. Next comes the A-Tier, where you will find slightly inferior weapons, and this trend goes on till the D-Tier, where you will find the most basic items that aren’t really helpful and don’t do much damage.

    S-Tier

    The S-Tier holds the best-in-class weapons currently present in Dead Rails. This includes the Electrocutioner Gun that inflicts the highest damage of 100, thereby instantly killing any monster except for Nikola Tesla boss. So, here are the best S-Tier weapons in Dead Rails:

    Weapon Name Damage Description Cost
    Electrocutioner Gun 100 Ammo: 20
    Fire Rate: 1 sec
    Reload using Lightning strikes    		 Found After Clearing the Tesla Lab
    Rifle 60/120 Ammo: 6
    Fire Rate: 0.5 sec
    Long Range Damage    		 75
    Shotgun 24×5/40×5 Ammo: 6
    Fire Rate: 0.5 sec
    Short Range Damage    		 50

    Among these, the Rifle and the Shotgun are the best weapons you can equip in the game and defeat the undead either from a range or at point-blank, whatever suits your style the most.

    A-Tier

    Next, we have the A-tier weapons, which are also good and can inflict high damage on enemies. However, compared to the S-Tier weapons, some of them are pretty rare to find in the game. One good thing about some guns in this category is that they can sell for really high prices, and therefore, you can use them to buy other essential items. That said, here are all the best Dead Rails weapons in the A-tier.

    Weapon Name Damage Description Cost
    Bolt-Action Rifle 55/137.5 Ammo: 5
    Fire Rate: 0.5 sec
    Long Range Damage    		 Can’t be Bought. Found at Fort Constitution
    Mauser C96 40/60 Ammo: 10
    Fire Rate: 0.3-0.5 sec
    No Recoil on Shooting     		148 Robux
    Can be found better in Outlaws Camp
    Molotov 50/100 The Arsonist Class spawns with 4 Molotovs 35
    Jade Sword 25 50% chance to reanimate enemies Found at Sterling Mines
    Can’t be bought
    Vampire Knife 20 Has Life Steal Passive
    The Vampire Class Spawns with a Vampire Knife    		 Can’t be bought
    Found at Castle

    Among the weapons in the B-Tier, the Jade Sword sells for 250 cash while the Vampire Knife sells for 100 cash. You can get the latter by raiding the Castle in the game. These are highly profitable in terms of money.

    B-Tier

    The B-Tier consists of weapons that are average in the game. Some of them have their own use cases, while others have a few disadvantages that prevent them from being placed higher. Moreover, most of them are less suitable for shooting enemies from a distance, and therefore, you can aim for better gear as you progress during the journey.

    Weapon Name Damage Description Cost
    Navy Revolver 50/80 Ammo: 6
    Fire Rate: 0.5 sec
    Better damage output     		40
    Revolver 35/50 Ammo: 6
    Fire Rate: 0.5 sec     		35
    Sawed-Off Shotgun 24×5/40×5 Ammo: 3
    The range is short than a usual Shotgun    		 148 Robux
    Maxim Turret 30/45 Ammo: 100
    Fire Rate: 0.2 sec
    Long Range and can fire continuously    		 125
    Dynamite 300-500 Does huge AoE damage when lighted with Torch 25
    Tomahawk 25 Highest damage among all melee weapons 30

    One of my favorite items in this tier is the Maxim Turret, which can help you clear the towns and defeat the monsters chasing your train at night.

    C-Tier

    Coming to the C-Tier, we have a few scarce and expensive items apart from the melee Cavalry sword. Talking about the Crucifix and Holy Water, they will cost you $ 75 and $ 45, respectively. Moreover, these are single-use weapons and hence not recommended for long runs. That said, here are all the weapons in this category.

    Weapon Name Damage Description Cost
    Holy Water 100-400 Best for groups of enemies
    Inflicts multiple lightning strikes    		 45
    Found at Church
    Cannon 125 Ammo: 12
    Does huge AoE damage    		 Can’t be bought
    Found at Fort Constitution
    Crucifix Infinite Best for groups of enemies for instant kill 75
    Found at Church
    Cavalry Sword 25 Slightly better than basic melee weapons 30

    The Cannon belongs in this tier due to its limited ammunition of 12 cannon balls and because it’s harder to get in the game. However, some would actually place the Holy Water in the A-tier because of its group damage.

    D-Tier

    Finally, the D-Tier consists of the basic weapons in the game, and most of the classes begin with them during the run. The Shovel and Pickaxe are melee weapons and do the same amount of damage. However, since the pickaxe helps in mining ores efficiently, it’s better to carry that instead of a shovel. With that, here are the Dead Rails weapons in the D-tier:

    Weapon Name Damage Description Cost
    Pickaxe 20 Best for mining ores
    Stuns enemies    		 20
    Shovel 20 Basic weapon for every class
    Stuns enemies    		 20

    And that ends our Dead Rails weapons tier list. I hope this clears up the fog for you on what to equip and what to aim for during your run in the game. So, which is your favorite weapon among them? Let us know in the comments below!

    Bipradeep Biswas

    A Computer Science graduate with a passion for gaming, currently specializing in Minecraft and popular Roblox games.


    Source: Beebom

  • Gemini live camera and screen sharing now on all Android devices

    Earlier this month, Google launched a new feature called Gemini Live. It included camera access and screen sharing. At first, this feature was only available on high-end devices like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. Users also had to be subscribed to the Gemini Advanced plan.

    Google Expands Gemini Live Features to All Android Users

    Now, things are changing. After getting great feedback, Google has decided to open this feature to more users. Soon, all Android users will be able to use Gemini Live — no matter what phone they have. Even users with the free version of Gemini will get access.

    As usual, Google is rolling this out slowly. It will become available “over the coming weeks.” So if you don’t see it on your phone yet, don’t worry. It’s on the way.

    Once you have the update, using the feature is simple. Open the Gemini app. Tap the Gemini Live icon. Then, choose the camera or screen sharing button.

    You can now converse with Gemini in real-time from that location. The assistant will react to whatever is in your camera or screen’s view. You can pose questions about whatever you are showing to Gemini, be it a product, document, or even an app. It is not boring; conversations occur naturally. You may interrupt Gemini or ask follow-up questions anytime you want.

    This is beneficial at a different level. Rather than only talking or typing, now you can visually tell Gemini what is needed, making the interaction far more powerful. For example, you could direct your camera to a math problem, visual piece of furniture, a recipe, or even an image of a piece of furniture. You can also use screen-sharing to receive assistance with applications or settings.

    The change is important in efforts to improve AI’s availability and usability on a personal level. It ensures that more people can access powerful tools, and not just individuals with expensive smartphones and paid subscriptions.

    With expanding Gemini Live features, Google is demonstrating its position for inclusive AI tailored to individual’s daily routines and seamlessly integrates into one’s daily life.

    Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.Follow Gizchina.com on Google News for news and updates in the technology sector.

    Source: Giz China

  • ‘We are tired of burying our children and mothers,’ Northern coalition cries out over Plateau massacre

    The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the renewed wave of violence in Plateau State where over 100 people were killed in one week by suspected Fulani militias in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas, describing the killings as a “national disgrace and a clear failure of governance.”

    The Coalition, in a press release on Thursday signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed outrage over the killings and displacement of thousands by the marauders, and called on authorities and security agencies to apprehend the culprits and bring them to book.

    In the emotion-laden statement, Charangi said it was heartbreaking that the people of the state will continue suffering and burying their young children and women whenever the bandits strike.

    “We are tired of burying our children, mothers, and elders while the government looks the other way. Plateau’s agony is Nigeria’s shame,” Charanchi said.

    The group insisted that the massacre is a reflection of the failure of governance.

    “The recent massacre in Plateau State, where over 100 lives were brutally cut short, represents a grotesque failure of governance.

    “These killings are not isolated. They form part of a broader pattern of insecurity spanning Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and ethno-religious violence in the North-Central.”

    The group also accused the Nigerian government of inaction and demanded “urgent, decisive steps to stop the bloodshed,” while calling for the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to flashpoints across Plateau State and other northern regions facing similar threats.

    The CNG also condemned President Bola Tinubu’s foreign travels during the crisis, likening the President’s actions to “Nero fiddling while Rome is burning.”

    “The government’s tepid response has emboldened killers. If the government cannot protect its people, it has no legitimacy.

    “We demand a brutal efficiency in dismantling terror networks, arresting and prosecuting attackers and their sponsors, and overhauling the nation’s security framework.

    “CNG urge the military to launch sustained offensives against violent groups in Plateau, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and the North-East. Citizens are tired of empty condolences and must begin to see tangible results. Nigeria’s future, the group said, depends on ending the cycle of violence,” the group added.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Kobbie Mainoo contract update provided


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United have been trying for some time now to lock down Kobbie Mainoo with a new contract.

    Mainoo established himself as a core part of the United squad with a breakthrough season last year, even being nominated for the Golden Boy award.

    Since rising through the United ranks, Mainoo’s also been called up to the England squad under Gareth Southgate, featuring heavily at Euro 2024.

    Whilst United are keen to secure the future of their talented midfielder, Mainoo is wanting his contract to reflect his status in the squad and on the global stage.

    With other United stars on ridiculous wages like Casemiro and Marcus Rashford on over £300,000 per week, Mainoo and his team have been holding firm on a substantial pay rise from his current wage of around £20,000 per week.

    It’s understood that Mainoo’s team have been requesting a new wage of £180,000 per week, however United are keen to keep costs down, but still open to a contract of over £100,000 per week.

    Now, SullyTalks has reported that the youngster and United have had positive talks over the recent week, with another on set to be held next week with Omar Berrada.

    No doubt after United’s 5-4 comeback to beat Lyon, The Red Devils will be even more keen to keep hold of their star who always delivers in the big games.

    Mainoo’s goal in extra time drew the teams level before Harry Maguire came up good again to seal the win.

    So, this could be music to United fans everywhere as it looks like Kobbie Mainoo will have a new contract by the end of the season.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • A new dirt ant species in Dominican amber

    New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers uncover evidence of 16-million-year-old ant from the Caribbean.

    Basiceros dirt ants, known for their remarkable ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, have long fascinated biologists. These unique ants, native to Neotropical regions, are distinguished by their larger size compared to other ants with similar camouflage abilities. They use specialized hairs on their bodies to trap dirt and leaf particles, effectively hiding from predators and prey alike.

    Now, a groundbreaking discovery by a team of researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has shed new light on the evolutionary history of these stealthy insects. The team has uncovered the first-ever fossil of the Basiceros genus — ‘Basiceros enana sp. nov.’ — preserved in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber.

    This fossil provides the first concrete evidence that the dirt ants once inhabited the Caribbean millions of years ago, thereby expanding our understanding of their geographic range and evolutionary history.

    How salt from the Caribbean affect our climate?

    The newly discovered fossil represents a much smaller species than its modern-day relatives. ‘Basiceros enana’, measuring just 5.13 millimeters, is the smallest known member of the Basiceros lineage.

    In contrast, modern dirt ants can grow up to 9 millimeters in length. Despite this size difference, the fossil reveals that the ancient ant already possessed many of the same cryptic features that enable today’s dirt ants to remain virtually invisible in their environment.

    Scientists believe that the existence of these camouflage traits dates back at least 16 million years, indicating a long history of survival through stealth. The study suggests that Basiceros ants have undergone rapid body size expansion throughout their evolution, doubling in size over the past 20 million years.

    “We’re seeing an amazing glimpse into the past,” said lead researcher Dr. Fiorentino. “This fossil shows that not only did these ants live in the Caribbean millions of years ago, but they were already equipped with the specialized adaptations that help them remain nearly invisible — a strategy that still serves them well today.”

    Basiceros ants are best known for their “crypsis” — their ability to remain undetected by blending in with the leaf litter and soil. The fossil reveals that ‘Basiceros enana’ possessed two layers of specialized hairs on its body: longer, erect “brush hairs” and shorter “holding hairs.” These hairs bind dirt and leaf litter particles to the ant’s body, making it difficult to spot in the ground.

    While these adaptations are critical for survival today, they were already present in this ancient species. The discovery raises questions about how these cryptic features evolved and how the ants’ ability to camouflage helped them thrive in their environment.

    “What this shows is that playing dead and hiding pays off,” said Fiorentino. “Uncovering a unique fossil like this helps us understand how long organisms may have been employing this strategy, though the presence of these characteristics does not necessarily guarantee they behaved in the same way.”

    In addition to their cryptic features, the fossil reveals that ‘Basiceros enana’ shared other distinct morphological characteristics with modern dirt ants, including an upturned propodeal spine, a trapezoid-shaped head, and powerful mandibles with 12 triangular teeth used for hunting.

    Despite their remarkable adaptations, ‘Basiceros enana’ ultimately vanished from the Caribbean around 5.3 million years ago during the Miocene epoch, likely due to significant ecological changes in the region.

    The study highlights how environmental shifts during this period led to the extinction of these cryptic ants from the Caribbean. However, their descendants continue to thrive today in Neotropical rainforests from Costa Rica to Brazil.

    “This discovery adds an important chapter to our understanding of how ants have evolved and adapted to their environments,” said Fiorentino. “It also raises new questions about how these ants reached their current habitats and how they might have dispersed across different regions over time.”

    The team used cutting-edge imaging technology, including micro-CT scanning, to examine the fossil in intricate detail. This advanced technique allowed researchers to visualize features that were otherwise impossible to detect, providing invaluable insights into the life of this ancient species.

    As scientists continue to study the fossil, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary history of Basiceros ants and other cryptic species. The discovery of ‘Basiceros enana’ represents a significant step forward in the study of ant evolution, serving as a reminder of how nature’s most elusive creatures have been refining their survival strategies for millions of years.

    With contributions from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and ongoing research, we may gain even more insight into the hidden lives of these stealthy ants and their ancient ancestors.

    Journal Reference:

    1. Gianpiero Fiorentino, Rodolfo Probst, Adrian Richter, Evan P. Economo and Phillip Barden. A fossil-informed pattern of body size increase and local extinction in Basiceros dirt ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Proceedings of the Royal Society B. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2171

    Source: Tech Explorist