Tag: insects

Curious isolation: new butterfly species discovered

Due to its specific ecological associations and low genetic diversity, this butterfly may soon face challenges with climate change adaptation.

In the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, an unassuming yet remarkable butterfly has been quietly flying under our scientific radar for years. With a wingspan of an inch to an inch and a half, and wings that are brown on top and greyish brown with black spots below, this population was long thought to belong to the Half-moon Hairstreak (Satyrium semiluna). However, the isolated hairstreak butterflies of Blakiston Fan in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, have now been recognized as a distinct species: Satyrium curiosolus, or the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak.

A recent study by an international collaborative team, published in ZooKeys, uncovered the unique evolutionary history of this population. The results were striking: Satyrium curiosolus has been completely isolated from its closest relatives for quite a while—possibly up to 40,000 years— becoming more and more genetically and ecologically unique along the way.

The cover page of a research article entitled "Genomic and ecological divergence support recognition of a new species of endangered Satyrium butterfly (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)"

The science behind the discovery

“Our whole-genome sequencing of S. curiosolus revealed strikingly low genetic diversity and exceptionally high levels of historical inbreeding compared to the geographically nearest S. semiluna populations in British Columbia and Montana, more than 400 km distant,” says co-first author Zac MacDonald, a La Kretz postdoctoral researcher at University of California Los Angeles Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Despite its small population size, genetic data suggest that S. curiosolus has likely maintained itself as a stable, independent lineage for tens of thousands of years. “Like the Channel Island Fox, S. curiosolus may have purged some of its harmful recessive genetic variation through a long, gradual history of inbreeding, allowing it to persist as a small and completely isolated population today,” MacDonald adds.

A close-up photo of a grayish butterfly perched on vibrant yellow flowers. — *Satyrium curiosolus*.

Satyrium curiosolus is found in a distinct habitat unlike any other population of S. semiluna that we know of. While its relatives thrive in sagebrush steppe, S. curiosolus occupies a single alluvial fan that is more accurately described as prairie-grassland, where it associates with different plants and ant species. Satyrium curiosolus relies exclusively on silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) for larval development, a plant not known to be used by S. semiluna populations in British Columbia.

A photo of a small butterfly perched on a dry seed pod among green leaves, showcasing. — A freshly eclosed S. curiosolus on silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus).

“Furthermore, we recently discovered that S. curiosolus larvae have mutualistic relationships with a particular species of ant (Lasius ponderosae), which has not been observed in other S. semiluna populations,” says James Glasier of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, who was also part of the study. Satyrium curiosolus caterpillars provide the Lasius ants with a sugary excretion called honeydew to eat, while in return the ants protect the caterpillar from parasites and predators. Caterpillars also retreat into ant galleries when disturbed, or when it gets too hot out, and adult females have been observed laying eggs right near the entrances to Lasius colonies under Silvery Lupines.

Why it matters

The recognition of S. curiosolus as a species has important implications, highlighting its unique evolutionary trajectory and emphasizing an urgent need for tailored conservation strategies.

The discovery of S. curiosolus is a powerful demonstration of how genomics is revolutionizing taxonomy and conservation.
Julian Dupuis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at University of Kentucky

Satyrium curiosolus faces a somewhat unique challenge: its long-term isolation has resulted in very low genetic diversity, which means that the species has a reduced potential to adapt to changing climatic conditions. While conservationists often consider genetic rescue—introducing individuals from related populations to boost genetic diversity—as a solution to low genetic diversity, the distinctiveness of S. curiosolus raises concerns about potential outbreeding depression when mixed with S. semiluna. It is likely that the two species are not even reproductively compatible, meaning S. curiosolus may be on its own. Conservation efforts must now consider new solutions, such as establishing additional S. curiosolus populations, to help this butterfly persist as climate change threatens ecological change at Blakiston Fan.

A case study in genomics and conservation

“The discovery of S. curiosolus is a powerful demonstration of how genomics is revolutionizing taxonomy and conservation,” remarked co-first author Julian Dupuis, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at University of Kentucky. “While traditional taxonomic methods often rely on morphology alone, our study underscores the importance of integrating genomic and ecological data to uncover hidden diversity. With the rise of genomic tools, previously unrecognized species like S. curiosolus are being discovered, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that account for cryptic biodiversity.” Dupuis adds.

Collaboration in conservation

The Curiously Isolated Hairstreak reminds us that even the smallest and most overlooked species can hold extraordinary scientific and conservation significance.

“Our studies on S. curiosolus and S. semiluna highlight the importance of collaboration between academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and conservation managers. All of this work was made possible through partnerships between academic researchers, Parks Canada, and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. By combining expertise in genomics, field ecology, and conservation management, we were able to produce findings that not only reshape our understanding of biodiversity but also provide actionable insights for species protection. Moving forward, these interdisciplinary collaborations will be critical for tackling complex conservation challenges and ensuring the long-term survival of species like S. curiosolus,” added MacDonald.

The future of Satyrium curiosolus

A close-up photo of white caterpillars in soil, with several small ants interacting with them. — Title: S. curiosolus larvae being attended to by Lasius ponderosae ants.

Recognizing S. curiosolus as a distinct species is just the beginning, the researchers say. Future research should explore its evolution and interactions with other species like host plants and ants. Additionally, long-term monitoring by Parks Canada and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be essential to assess how this species copes with climate change and what conservation actions are appropriate. “This is a wonderful example of how such monitoring can connect diverse approaches and impactful answers to a simple question like ‘that’s odd – why is it there?’”, says anchor author Felix Sperling, a professor at the University of Alberta and curator of the U of A’s Strickland Museum of Entomology.

“For now, the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak reminds us that even the smallest and most overlooked species can hold extraordinary scientific and conservation significance,” the researchers say in conclusion.

Research article:

MacDonald ZG, Dupuis JR, Glasier JRN, Sissons R, Moehrenschlager A, Shaffer HB, Sperling FAH (2025) Genomic and ecological divergence support recognition of a new species of endangered Satyrium butterfly (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). ZooKeys 1234: 291-307. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1234.143893

Australian winged wētā population in Auckland increasing, posing a threat to native invertebrates

In a peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Orthoptera Research, the insect has been traced back to its origin in Queensland.

A fearsome-looking insect commonly referred to as “winged wētā” may look like a flying wētā, but it is not a wētā at all. It belongs to the family of the raspy crickets, which is not native to New Zealand. Like all of its family members, it has the ability to secrete silk from its mouth parts, which it uses to build shelters in foliage.

A close-up photo of a brown cricket resting on a green fern leaf. — Adult male winged wētā *(Pterapotrechus salomonoides)* in its natural habitat. Photo by Danilo Hegg

The “winged wētā” was first detected in Auckland in 1990. Within thirty years, it had expanded its range north to Cable Bay, Northland; east to Coromandel Peninsula, and south to Raglan, Waikato. While sightings in New Zealand became more and more numerous, the insect remained unidentified. New Zealand entomologist Danilo Hegg recently travelled to Queensland, Australia, to trace the “winged wētā” back to its population of origin and put a name to the species. In a peer-reviewed study now published in the Journal of Orthoptera Research, Hegg showed that the insect originates from the montane rainforests south of Brisbane, at the border of Queensland and New South Wales.

A map of Australia and New Zealand highlighting specific locations in Queensland and New South Wales, including Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain, and Auckland. — Collection localities in New Zealand and Australia.

“The insect is heavily built, has relatively short wings, and is a poor flyer,” says Hegg. “While Australian butterflies do occasionally reach our shores carried by westerly winds, the 2,300km journey across the Tasman Sea is almost certainly too much for the winged wētā. It is highly unlikely that it would have reached New Zealand by natural means”. Australian insects carried by the wind may land anywhere between Cape Reinga and Rakiura / Stewart Island. The fact that the “winged wētā” was first detected in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest import hub, only adds weight to the hypothesis of an accidental introduction by anthropogenic means.

Not only has the “winged wētā” been expanding its range in New Zealand; it has also been building up numbers. Its population density has at least quintupled in Auckland during the past twelve years. And like many other invasive species, it appears to be found in higher numbers in its new territory than in its country of origin. “In Queensland, I could spend a night out and find one or two individuals at most. In Auckland, I was able to capture seven specimens in a two-hour walk” says Hegg.

A photo of two crickets nestled together inside curled green leaves. — Nymphs of winged wētā *(Pterapotrechus salomonoides)* in rolled leaves held together by silk strands

The “winged wētā” is an omnivore and an agile hunter. Strictly nocturnal, it prowls in the foliage in trees and pounces on any invertebrate that is small enough for it to tackle. Observations conducted in captivity and in the wild have shown that the “winged wētā” preys on just about anything that moves at night. Including juvenile Auckland tree wētā, one of New Zealand’s largest insects.

A close-up photo of a brown cricket resting on a green leaf and holding insect wings in its mandibles. — A winged wētā *(Pterapotrechus salomonoides)* Nymph with winged termite (Schedorhinotermes sp.) prey.

Given its high population density and its predatory habits, there are concerns the invasive insect could have an impact on New Zealand’s native invertebrate wildlife. “There is still a lot we don’t know” says Hegg “we need to study its diet in the wild, and we need to understand whether the winged wētā is also taking hold in intact native forest habitats, or only in urbanised areas, where the majority of the sightings are. But it poses a threat that needs to be taken seriously”.

New Zealand’s invertebrates are already being decimanted by introduced rodents, mustelids, hedgehogs, cats and wasps. The Australian winged wētā is only going to add to their woes.

Research article:

Hegg D (2025) An Australian raspy cricket established in New Zealand, Pterapotrechus salomonoides (Orthoptera, Gryllacrididae), with notes on ecology and first description of the male. Journal of Orthoptera Research 34(1): 77-94. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.34.134391

New oviposition behaviour spotted in parasitoid wasp

A female Eupelmus messene used her ovipositor to drill through the wall of a polystyrene Petri dish and laid her egg outside the dish.

The thin, flexible, and mobile ovipositor of some female insects, perfected over thousands of years of evolution, can carry substances and drill into various substrates. Although its structure is well studied, many of its functions remain a mystery.

Researchers from Saratov State University and Moscow State University spotted interesting, unusual oviposition behaviour in the parasitoid wasp Eupelmus messene: it used its ovipositor to drill through the wall of a polystyrene Petri dish and lay an egg outside the dish.

Drilling with the ovipositor through a plastic wall of a Petri dish by Eupelmus messene (A), a newly laid egg into the external environment (B), and UV fluorescent biological substance inside the perforations (C). ov – ovipositor, per – perforation, egg – egg.

This is the first time such behaviour has been observed and recorded.

E.messene is a parasitoid of the gall wasp Aulacidea hieracii, which forms a gall on the stems of the hawkweed Hieracium×robustum. The female of E.messene then drills the walls of the gall with its ovipositor in search of a gall wasp larva and, upon finding it, lays an egg next to it.

The researchers reared 56 females from galls of H.×robustum collected near Saratov, Russia. Of them, they placed 18 in Petri dishes without host galls, and later observed five of those wasps drilling into the walls of the Petri dishes.

The team followed the behaviour of one wasp: drilling each perforation in the polystyrene wall took more than two hours, during which the insect often paused to eat, drink water, or wash. In the end, it managed to completely pierce the plastic wall and lay an egg on the outside of the Petri dish. It drilled multiple holes, even after being transferred to a different Petri dish.

Eupelmus messene drilling the wall of the polystyrene Petri dish. Video by Matvey I. Nikelshparg, Evelina I. Nikelshparg, Vasily V. Anikin, Alexey A. Polilov

“We distinguished four steps of drilling: pushing movements, rotational movements, ejection movements, as well as the cementing step. However, in natural gall, we never observed ejection movements. We suppose that such a type of movement is required to rake out plastic particles, which is unnecessary for more elastic plant gall substrate,” write the authors in their study, which was published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research.

After laying the egg, the female carefully cemented the drilled perforation with an unknown biological substance, likely to keep it safe from the impacts of changing temperatures, water, and microorganisms.

Unlike galls, which usually have an opaque and dense structure, the transparent Petri dish provided a clear view of the whole drilling and oviposition process, allowing the researchers to study it closely.

It is still unknown why the wasp behaved this way, but the scientists believe we can learn a lot from this observation: “Studying in detail the drilling behavior of parasitic mycrohymenopterans can be useful in medicine for the creation of minimally invasive guided probes in neurosurgery, the development of orthopedic surgical instruments, needle biopsies using functionally graded tools,” they write in their paper.

Research article:

Nikelshparg MI, Nikelshparg EI, Anikin VV, Polilov AA (2023) Extraordinary drilling capabilities of the tiny parasitoid Eupelmus messene Walker (Hymenoptera, Eupelmidae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research 96: 715-722. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.96.107786

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12 new Oriental weevil species discovered using advanced imaging tools

Two of these new species occur in Japan, including one species found in Yanbaru National Park, Okinawa.

Jake Lewis, an entomologist in the Environmental Science and Informatics Section at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), is fascinated by weevils, a diverse group of beetles that includes many species with elephant trunk-like mouthparts (called a rostrum). Weevils provide various ecosystem services such as pollination and decomposition, but some species are serious pests known to decimate crop fields and timber forests.

OIST entomologist and Insect Collection Manager, Jake Lewis, searches for weevils on Okinawa Island, Japan. He and his collaborators collected weevils from Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and discovered 12 new species. Photo credit: Merle Naidoo, OIST

Using x-ray microtomography, a 3D imaging technique that uses x-rays to visualize cross sections of the internal structure of objects, Lewis and his collaborators digitally removed scales that cover the cuticle of the weevils. They found that the underlying cuticle differs significantly between species and can therefore be used for taxonomic and classification purposes. Using this technique in combination with traditional light microscopy and DNA barcoding, they discovered, described, and named 12 new weevil species from Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. These species range from 1.5 – 3.0 mm in length and are comparatively quite small weevils.

Two of these new species are present in Japan: Aphanerostethus magnus (Oo-daruma-kuchikakushi-zoumushi) and Aphanerostethus japonicus (Nippon-daruma-kuchikakushi-zoumushi). One of these, Aphanerostethus japonicus, is also found in Yanbaru National Park, Okinawa. This is the first time x-ray microtomography has been used to remove obscuring scales to examine underlying differences in morphology for taxonomic purposes. The findings from this study have been published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

Researchers have discovered, described, and named 12 new weevil species in Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. *Aphanerostethus magnus* and *Aphanerostethus japonicus* are found in Japan, with the latter also found in Yanbaru National Park, Okinawa. Photo credit: Lewis et al., 2024

The researchers showed that removing scales using x-ray microtomography reveals significant morphological differences between species, which cannot be easily observed using other methods. Consequently, this technique may gain more popularity as a tool for identifying new insect species, especially those covered in scales or debris.

Lewis, OIST’s Insect Collection Manager and lead author of the paper, examined specimens from collections in Canada, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. One of the primary goals was to investigate the use of x-ray microtomography as a tool in weevil taxonomy. The genus Aphanerostethus was poorly studied in the past, but many undescribed species were discovered in museum collections around the world, including the two new species from Japan.

X-ray microtomography generated 3D models of weevil species from the genus *Aphanerostethus* with the right elytron (forewing) removed, revealing differences in the length, width, and pattern of veins in the hindwing. A lateral view of the full body is shown below each closeup for reference. The red, blue, and yellow arrows indicate the base, midpoint, and apex of the hindwing, respectively. A: *Aphanerostethus bifidus*; B: *A. decoratus*; C: *A. japonicus*; D: *A. magnus*. Image credit: Lewis et al., 2024

Multiple methods to find new species

The researchers used traditional methods such as light microscopy and dissections to observe differences between species, including the scales along the elytra (back), leg spines, and the shape of the rostral canal (a canal that protects the rostrum). They also used DNA barcoding to analyze their genes and create a phylogenetic tree of eight of the species. Some species were not as easy to separate based on morphology alone, but as the gene sequences differ between species, the phylogenetic tree was informative and provided additional evidence of new species.

: Phylogenetic tree of eight *Aphanerostethus* species constructed by comparing genetic information to see how closely related different species are. This helped Lewis and his team verify their predictions about species classification by using DNA analysis instead of only physical traits. The colored, vertical bars represent different species and includes the two new species from Japan. Image credit: Lewis et al., 2024

Although the above methods are standard practice in taxonomy, the researchers’ use of X-ray microtomography was novel and was successfully used to examine the structure of not only the hidden cuticle, but also the hindwings. Aphanerostethus weevils have lost the ability to fly due to the gradual reduction of their hindwings, however the degree of reduction was shown to differ between species. Normally, specimens would have to be dissected to view the hindwings, but because x-ray microtomography allows for non-destructive examination of internal anatomy, it is invaluable when working with rare or precious specimens that cannot be dissected or altered.

X-ray microtomography generated 3D models of Aphanerostethus pronota with scales removed, revealing otherwise hidden differences in underlying puncture morphology A–C Aphanerostethus magnus D–F Aphanerostethus morimotoi. Image credit: Lewis et al., 2024

The presence of partially reduced wings in some species offers a fascinating glimpse into the ongoing process of evolutionary change: “Some species have almost completely lost their hindwings, while others still have non-functional half-wings with remaining vein patterns. The differing degrees in hindwing loss is not only useful for taxonomy and systematics, but also shows how different species within the same group can be at different stages of losing a historically highly important organ that played a crucial role in insect evolution,” Lewis explained.

Investing in Japan’s natural heritage

The discovery of new weevil species can be challenging for two main reasons. Firstly, weevils are incredibly diverse, making complete cataloging time consuming and tedious. Secondly, many weevil species are highly host-specific, may only inhabit very particular microhabitats, and may only be active for a short period of time as adults. For example, some species feed on a single tree species and may only occupy a certain part of a tree, such as the canopy. Furthermore, some species of weevils are strictly nocturnal and rarely observed during the daytime.

Episomus mori weevils. Photo credit: Jake H. Lewis

This extreme specialization and variation in natural history means that unless researchers investigate at night and day, across seasons, and focus on specific parts of many different plant species, they will inevitably overlook certain species.

Dr. Dan Warren, a research fellow at the Gulbali Institute for Applied Ecology and former leader of the Environmental Science and Informatics Section, emphasized the importance of investing in specimen collections: “These specimen collections are crucial for discovering new species and documenting biodiversity changes, both from human activities and natural cycles. They are essential tools for scientific research and conservation biology,” he stated. “Without proper support for them and the people who maintain them, we risk losing irreplaceable information on species and ecosystems, potentially before we even discover them.”

Euthycus weevils. Photo credit: Jake H. Lewis

“These new weevil species are part of Japan’s natural heritage, and although still poorly known ecologically, discovering and naming them is the first step towards an understanding of their biology,” Lewis added. Protected areas like Yanbaru National Park, home to the newly discovered A. japonicus, are essential to the protection of the island’s rich and endemic biodiversity.

Research article:

Citation: Lewis JH, Kojima H, Suenaga M, Petsopoulos D, Fujisawa Y, Truong XL, Warren DL (2024) The era of cybertaxonomy: X-ray microtomography reveals cryptic diversity and concealed cuticular sculpture in Aphanerostethus Voss, 1957 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). ZooKeys 1217: 1–45. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1217.126626

Orthoptera and origami: Pensoft at the International Congress of Entomology

Meeting our authors in person was a chance for us to gather valuable feedback and make sure we are doing our best.

The International Congress of Entomology 2024 (ICE2024), which took place on August 25-30 2024 in Kyoto, Japan, was arguably the biggest entomology event of the year. For the Pensoft team, it was an excellent chance to catch up with our authors and editors and discuss new partnerships.

At the Kyoto International Conference Center, entomologists visited lectures, symposia, and poster presentations, but they also enjoyed insect-themed haikus, origami, and artworks, and got to sample some edible insects.

Origami Corner#Amazing #ice2024 #ice2024kyoto #YoshinoriShintani #not4sale pic.twitter.com/vnEr3kWePQ
— International Congress of Entomology 2024 Kyoto JP (@ice2024kyoto_jp) August 27, 2024

Meeting our authors in person was a chance for us to gather valuable feedback and make sure we are doing our best to provide entomologists with a frictionless process that makes their published research shine.

Robin Kundrata, author in ZooKeys
Deepa Pureswaran, author and editor in NeoBiota
Alain Roques, author and editor in NeoBiota
Jessica Gillung, author in ZooKeys
Ranjith AP, editor in Check List and author in ZooKeys and Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Minoo Heidari Latibari, author in ZooKeys
Elisabeth Geiser, author in ZooKeys
Sven Bradler, author and editor in ZooKeys
Showtaro Kakizoe, author in ZooKeys
Antonio Carapelli, author and reviewer in ZooKeys

At Stand 25, congress participants browsed the company’s open-access entomological journals, including ZooKeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, and Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, as well as its wide range of books on insect diversity, systematics, and ecology.

Scientific illustrator Denitsa Peneva’s beautiful works adorned Pensoft’s stand; Mostafa Ghafouri Moghaddam, subject editor at ZooKeys and Biodiversity Data Journal and author at a number of Pensoft-published journals even got to take one of her prints home after winning a raffle that Pensoft organised. He won a beautiful illustration of Bombus fragrans on Trifolium pratense.

Pensoft’s founder and CEO and one of the founding editors of the company’s flagship journal ZooKeys, Prof. Lyubomir Penev, was there representing the company and meeting with fellow entomologists.

Prof. Penev with Evgeny Zakharov of the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics
Prof. Penev with researchers Jadranka Rota, Niklas Wahlberg, Alexander Konstantinov, and Michael Schmidt
Prof. Penev with researcher Caroline S. Chaboo

They also got the chance to learn about the ARPHA Platform, a next-generation publishing solution that offers a streamlined and efficient workflow for authors, reviewers, and editors.

ARPHA Platform’s 15 top features enjoyed by client journals and publishers

At ICE2024, Pensoft also presented its newest open-access jorunal, Natural History Collections and Museomics. A peer-reviewed journal for research, discussion and innovation of natural history collections, NHCM will publish under a diamond open access model, allowing free access to published content without any fees for authors or readers.

New Diamond OA journal Natural History Collections and Museomics launches on ARPHA Platform

In addition to its publishing endeavors, Pensoft also presented some of the EU-funded pollinator projects that it takes part in such as Safeguard, PollinERA, and WildPosh.

ICE2024 was a chance to advance entomological science and foster collaboration within the global scientific community. For those who missed the chance to connect with Pensoft in Kyoto, the company’s journals and platforms remain accessible online, offering opportunities to read and produce groundbreaking research in insect diversity and ecology.

Low-cost, high-volume imaging for entomological digitization

The flexibility of the imaging rig could benefit many potential users who are looking for an accessible method for larger collections of specimens

Guest blog post by Corey Feng and Dirk Steinke

The demand for the digitization of natural history collections has increased with the advancement of imaging technologies. Large collections composed of millions of insect specimens are exploring efficient strategies and new technologies to digitize them. However, many of these new systems are quite elaborate and expensive, creating a need for more affordable and easy-to-use equipment.

75-by-47-cm foam platform with pinned insects in dorsal and lateral positions.

Creating a digital image for every specimen is an essential part of the DNA barcoding workflow at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG). A newly designed imaging rig has enabled the CBG to quickly and efficiently image specimens at high quality while controlling the specimen’s orientation to emphasize key morphological characters. This system allowed the CBG to take some 190,000 images over the past year.

The SLR rig is placed on a heavy-base table to minimize vibration. The inset shows the actual rig area with specimens on the styrofoam base.

Our new ZooKeys study describes this imaging rig, which was mainly created for pinned specimens. It is inexpensive and easy to install as it uses a camera mounted to a CNC machine rig to photograph specimens at high capacity. By using a foam board to array specimens, the user can choose their orientation, which contrasts some existing methods that do not provide such flexibility. This setup produces 95 high quality images within half an hour.

Panel of example images taken with the SLR rig.

The flexibility of the imaging rig could benefit many potential users who are looking for an accessible method for larger collections of specimens. By alternating various parameters, such as the distance between the camera and specimens or the type of camera and lens used, users can adapt their system to specimens of varying sizes. With further changes to the array, the imaging rig can also be adapted to support imaging specimens on slides, within vials, or other storage solutions.

Research article:

Steinke D, McKeown JTA, Zyba A, McLeod J, Feng C, Hebert PDN (2024) Low-cost, high-volume imaging for entomological digitization. ZooKeys 1206: 315-326. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1206.123670

A new 3D printable model of an entomological pinning block

Intended for widespread use by entomologists, the block is applicable to large entomological collections with individual specimen numbering.

Guest blog post by Ilia Vladimirov Gjonov

The proposed model of an entomological block is ready for printing on a standard 3D printer. In addition to the usual positioning of glue boards and labels along the Z-axis, the model also offers targeting devices that enable precise positioning of the entomological pin along the X- and Y-axes.

The model is offered in two variants – one for immediate use after printing and another that requires the fabrication of an additional steel rail measuring 100 × 30 × 5 mm, against which the tip of the pin rests during positioning along the Z-axis. The rail is also used to increase the overall mass of the fixture. The overall dimensions of the device are 100 mm in length, 35 mm in width and 37 mm in height.

The proposed entomological block is intended for widespread use by entomologists, particularly those using insect glue boards. It is applicable to large entomological collections with individual specimen numbering and its use can ensure that entomological pins are positioned on the label so as not to disrupt the integrity of the number or barcode. It can also be modified to suit the needs of the user and can be sliced and printed directly on a 3D printer.

Methods paper:

Gjonov I, Hristozov A (2024) 3D printable model of an entomological pinning block, designed for precise positioning of entomological glue boards and labels. Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e121569. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e121569

Potamophylax kosovaensis, a new insect species from Kosovo that is already endangered

The country’s natural wealth is under threat by manmade pressures such as water pollution, littering, and the construction of hydropower plants.

Over the last few years, professor Halil Ibrahimi from Kosovo and his team have described several new species of aquatic insects revered as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystems. However, the celebration of these discoveries is tempered by alarming concerns: the newfound species are often already considered endangered, as per the criteria set forth by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as soon as they are described. This classification underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard their existence.

The research team just discovered a new species, named Potamophylax kosovaensis, in the spring area of the Llap River, nestled within the Ibër River Basin. The region, known for its ecological significance, serves as a critical habitat for numerous aquatic organisms like newly discovered insect species.

Unfortunately, these freshwater insects are facing unprecedented threats in Kosovo and the broader Balkans region. Anthropogenic pressures, such as water pollution, littering, and the construction of hydropower plants, pose imminent risks to their survival. The degradation of their habitats not only jeopardizes their existence, but also undermines the health and integrity of entire freshwater ecosystems.

Spring area of the Llap river in Kosovo. — Spring area of the Llap river, from where the new species, *Potamophylax kosovaensis* was found.

Professor Ibrahimi emphasizes on the importance of urgent action to mitigate these threats and conserve this delicate balance of freshwater biodiversity. “The discovery of Potamophylax kosovaensis serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our freshwater ecosystems,” he states. “We must prioritize efforts to protect these habitats and the invaluable species they harbor.”

A polluted waterway in Kosovo. — Anthropogenic pressures in freshwater ecosystems in Kosovo endangering rich aquatic biodiversity.

A polluted natural area in Kosovo. — Anthropogenic pressures in freshwater ecosystems in Kosovo endangering rich aquatic biodiversity.

The study was financed by the Integrated Water Resource Management in Kosovo (IWRM-K) and was conducted in the Laboratory of Zoology-Department of Biology of the University of Prishtina. It was published in the open-access, peer-reviewed Biodiversity Data Journal.

Research article:

Ibrahimi H, Bilalli A, Geci D, Grapci Kotori L (2024) Potamophylax kosovaensis sp. nov. (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae), a new species of the Potamophylax winneguthi species cluster from the Ibër River Basin in Kosovo. Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e121454. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e121454

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Leptanilla voldemort, a ghostly slender new ant species from the dark depths of the underground

Its name pays homage to the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, the fearsome antagonist of the Harry Potter series, drawing parallels with the ant’s ghostly appearance.

In the sun-scorched Pilbara region of north-western Australia, scientists have unearthed a mysterious creature from the shadows – a new ant species of the elusive genus Leptanilla.

The new species, Leptanilla voldemort – L. voldemort for short – is a pale ant with a slender build, spindly legs, and long, sharp mandibles. The species name pays homage to the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, the fearsome antagonist of the Harry Potter series, drawing parallels with the ant’s ghostly and slender appearance, and the dark underground environment, from which it has emerged.

Scientists Dr Mark Wong of the University of Western Australia and Jane McRae of Bennelongia Environmental Consultants describe the enigmatic new species in a paper published in the open access journal ZooKeys.

Leptanilla voldemort was discovered during an ecological survey to document animals living belowground in the arid Pilbara region of north-western Australia. Only two specimens of the bizarre new ant species were found. Both were collected in a net that was lowered down a 25-metre drill hole and skilfully retrieved while scraping against the hole’s inner surface – an innovative technique for collecting underground organisms known as ‘subterranean scraping’.

A general landscape of the Pilbara region.

Compared to other Leptanilla antspecies, L. voldemort has an extremely slender body as well as long, spindly antennae and legs. Together with its collection from a 25-metre-deep drill hole, this unusual morphologyhas left experts speculating as to whether it truly dwells in soil like other Leptanilla species, or exploits a different subterranean refuge, such as the air-filled voids and cracks that form within layers of rock deeper underground.

The long, sharp jaws of L. voldemort, however, leave little to the imagination.

“Leptanilla voldemort is almost surely a predator, a fearsome hunter in the dark. This is backed up by what we know from the few observations of specialised hunting behaviours in other Leptanilla antspecies, where the tiny workers use their sharp jaws and powerful stings to immobilise soil-dwelling centipedes much larger than them, before carrying their larvae over to feed on the carcass” said Dr Wong, lead author of the study.

A full-face view of *Leptanilla voldemort*, showing its sharp mandibles.

The exact prey of L. voldemort, however, is not known, though a variety of other subterranean invertebrates, including centipedes, beetles and flies, were collected from the same locality.

There are over 14,000 species of ants worldwide, but only about 60 belong to the enigmatic genus Leptanilla. Unlike most ants, all species of Leptanilla are hypogaeic – their small colonies, usually comprising a queen and only a hundred or so workers, nest and forage exclusively underground. To adapt to life in darkness, Leptanilla workers are blind and colourless. The lilliputian members of the ant world, these ants measure just 1 to 2 millimetres – not much larger than a grain of sand – allowing them to move effortlessly through the soil. Due to their miniscule size, pale colouration, and unique underground dwellings, finding Leptanilla species is a challenge even for expert ant scientists, and much of their biology remains shrouded in mystery.

While Australia boasts some of the highest levels of ant diversity in the world – with estimates ranging from 1,300 to over 5,000 species – L. voldemort is only the second Leptanilla species discovered from the continent. The first, Leptanilla swani, was described nearly a century ago – from a small colony found under a rock in 1931 – and has almost never been seen since.

With its formation beginning approximately 3.6 billion years ago, the Pilbara is one of the oldest land surfaces on Earth. Despite the scorching summers and meagre rainfall, the region harbours globally important radiations of underground invertebrates. Adding to the unique biodiversity of this ancient landscape, the discovery of the enigmatic ant L. voldemort is a testament to the wizardry of nature and the mysteries of life in the depths of darkness.

Research article:

Wong MKL, McRae JM (2024) Leptanilla voldemort sp. nov., a gracile new species of the hypogaeic ant genus Leptanilla (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from the Pilbara, with a key to Australian Leptanilla. ZooKeys 1197: 171-182. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1197.114072

Eyes open and toes out of water: how a giant water bug reached the island of Cyprus

A new visitor was reported on the coast of Cyprus, thanks to the growing power of citizen science.

The island of Cyprus, although considered a hotspot for biodiversity in the Mediterranean, is more famous for its beautiful sunny coasts than for its insect fauna. Nevertheless, some visitors of its highly populated beaches, with their observations and curiosity, have provided important information for a species never recorded before on the island: a giant water bug, also known as a toe biter.

Scientists Michael Hadjiconstantis from the Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of Cyprus, Iakovos Tziortzis from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, and Kadir Boğaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute collected information and specimens from an increasing number of records of the giant water bug on the east coastline of the island in late spring and summer of 2020 and 2021. The species, known for inhabiting ponds and slowly moving freshwaters, had never been recorded on the island before, although established populations are known in adjacent Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel.

Locations of the reported Giant water bug sightings in Cyprus.

Also referred to as Electric light bug, this giant water bug is described as a vicious hunter, praying on invertebrates, fish, turtles, and even birds. What is even scarier, as the largest European true bug and the largest European water insect and measuring up to 12 cm, it has a reputation of inflicting very painful bites when handled carelessly.

Its appearance, mainly on the eastern coastal front of the island, was initially recorded by swimmers, who were surprised by the fearsome looks and size of the bug. They either directly contacted the experts or published photos and videos online, mainly on Facebook groups related to biodiversity. The authors collected some of the specimens for further study. They also proceeded with an extensive online search on relevant online observation platforms (i.e. iNaturalist) in order to track any other reports of the species on the island. In addition, they sampled nearby wetlands, but did not spot the bug. End to end, a total of seven sightings were eventually recorded: five from social media and two after direct communication with the author team. Two specimens were obtained and examined morphologically to verify the species. The observations were recorded in a research article in the open-access journal Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”.

Having in mind that the toe biter is an iconic species accompanied by creepy stories concerning its encounters with humans, the authors assume that it is unlikely that it had gone unnoticed for too long. They consider it possible that several migration events might have been triggered in a short period of time by nearby countries hosting the species, such as Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. The specimens could have been transferred by wind or sea currents, as assumed by other researchers, or could have been driven by a decrease in food resources in their initial area of distribution.

Despite the number of recordings in a short timeframe, no conclusions can be drawn for the moment on the establishment of a population of the species on the island. This is further to be investigated, and as the initial recording of the species, citizen science can have an important role in this. The authors urge the public to be alert: “Naturalists looking for alien-like critters can provide valuable information on the presence and a possible establishment of the species through citizen science.” Until then, they warn: “Cypriots should keep their eyes open and their toes out of the water”.

Research article:

Hadjiconstantis M., Tziortzis I., Kunt KB (2023). On the importance of citizen-science: first records of the Giant water bug Lethocerus patruelis (Hemiptera, Belostomatidae) in Cyprus. Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” 66 (2): 291–299. https://travaux.pensoft.net/article/94457/