# Bizarre Brazilian Discoveries The Eyeless Martialis Heureka Ant By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-09-16 | Science Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martialis-heureka-ant References: [sciencenews.org](http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/36455/description/Ant_from_Mars) Researchers from the [University of Texas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-olo) at Austin have found a bizarre ant in Brazil that doesn't look like any other existing ant species. Its proposed name, Martialis heureka, refers to its odd appearance--this ant looks like it came from another planet. Martialis heureka has a [pale body and no eyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rejuvenating-eye-creams), with long mouthparts that stick out like forceps. Its DNA is so far from other species as to warrant its own subfamily, Martialinae. This is the first time a new ant subfamily has been created since 1923. Rabeling and his colleagues will publish their findings on Martialis heureka in an upcoming Proceedings of the [National Academy of Sciences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unnatural-history-museum-of-singapore). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **New Species Discovery:** Researchers have found a bizarre ant in Brazil that doesn't look like any other existing ant species, providing disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of environmental conservation and biotech. - **Genetic Research:** The DNA of Martialis heureka is so far from other species as to warrant its own subfamily, creating opportunities for additional genetic research on this and other species. - **Taxonomy Classification:** Creation of a new ant subfamily, Martialinae, for Martialis heureka provides disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of taxonomy classification, particularly for new or unique species. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Environmental Conservation:** The discovery of a new ant species could lead to development of new conservation strategies or technologies for preservation of unique or endangered species. - **Biotechnology:** Study of the unique genetics of Martialis heureka could lead to new biotech opportunities in fields such as medicine, agriculture, or bioengineering. - **Academia:** Creation of a new ant subfamily provides opportunities for academic research, collaboration, and classification in fields such as zoology, taxonomy, and genetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Anime-Inspired Discovered Insects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pheromosa.md) - [Life-Sized Puzzled Insect Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-collection.md) - [Biomimetic Fashion Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonhuman-life.md) - [Insect-Inspired Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-bronze-sculptures.md) - [Eye-Adorned Furry Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyeball-mules.md) - [Futuristic Museum Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unnatural-history-museum-of-singapore.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md) - [Insect-Like Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mantis-chair.md) - [Bug-Like Avant-Garde Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiral-01.md)