Latin America
Related: About this forumResearchers finds a new species of stick insect in the state of Rio de Janeiro
25/11/2022
Max Gomes (IOC/Fiocruz)
Researchers of the Laboratory of Entomology Diversity of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) identified a new species of stick insect in Petrópolis, in the mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It has been named Cladomorphus petropolisensis, after the city where it was collected. The finding was published in the 10-year anniversary issue of Animals. The last species of genus Cladomorphus in the region was described in 1835 by scientist George Robert Gray.
A specimen of Cladomorphus petropolisensis was deposited in the Entomological Collection of the IOC/Fiocruz (photo: Reproduction)
We are incredibly happy to be helping increase knowledge on Brazilian biodiversity with the discovery of a species that belongs to a group that has not been very studied so far. Stick insects have very interesting characteristics, such as camouflage and asexual reproduction, said Jane Costa, first author of the article and substitute head of the Laboratory of Entomology Biodiversity of IOC/Fiocruz.
Based on the morphological analysis, the authors observed that the physical characteristics of C. petropolisensis were significantly different, in terms of length and the arrangement of spikes, from those of another similar species that live in the same area, Cladomorphus phyllinus. Although they are physically very similar, the difference in size is their most noticeable feature. The new species is almost 5 cm longer. It also has more spikes on part of its thorax and hind legs, said Costa.
Another characteristic that differs between the two species is the eggs laid by the females: while those laid by C. phyllinus are a uniform brown, those of C. petropolisensis have a more irregular color pattern, in brown and beige hues. The evidence observed via morphological evaluations was then proven through genetic sequencing, confirming that the specimen belonged to a species that had never been recorded in scientific literature.
More:
https://portal.fiocruz.br/en/news/researchers-finds-new-species-stick-insect-state-rio-de-janeiro
calimary
(80,700 posts)They found a new kind? Makes me wonder how many other new discoveries will be made! Eager to see!
Effete Snob
(8,387 posts)In another paper the researchers reported air frying them with a brush of olive oil and some salt, and said they were really good with beer.
calimary
(80,700 posts)Effete Snob
(8,387 posts)
such as camouflage and asexual reproduction.
Yeah, sure, because when Im looking for interesting characteristics, those dont exactly top the list.