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Tag: New Species

  • New species of frog discovered in Peru mountains: photos

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    Scientists found a “long”-fingered creature with red eyes in a forest of Peru and discovered a new species, a study said and photos show.

    Scientists found a “long”-fingered creature with red eyes in a forest of Peru and discovered a new species, a study said and photos show.

    Photo from Getty / iStockphoto

    As darkness blanketed the mountains of central Peru, a “long”-fingered creature took up its perch on a tree branch. Its “large” red eyes scanned the surrounding forest, but it wasn’t the only one looking around.

    Visiting scientists noticed the “robust” animal — and discovered a new species.

    A team of researchers hiked into Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park in 2010 for a roughly week-long wildlife survey. The park, situated in the Andes Mountains, was already known to have a “remarkable diversity of amphibians” so the group figured it would find something interesting, according to a study published Oct. 30 in the peer-reviewed journal PeerJ .

    Sure enough, researchers found 10 unfamiliar-looking frogs during their nighttime searches, the study said. Intrigued, they took a closer look at the animals, analyzed their DNA and eventually realized they’d discovered a new species: Phrynopus manuelriosi, or Manuel Ríos’ Andes frog.

    A Phrynopus manuelriosi, or Manuel Ríos’ Andes frog, seen from above and below.
    A Phrynopus manuelriosi, or Manuel Ríos’ Andes frog, seen from above and below. Photos from Venegas, Ayachi, Lujan, Duran and Motta (2025)

    Manuel Ríos’ Andes frogs have “moderately robust” bodies reaching just over an inch in length, the study said. Their “flat” heads have “large” red eyes and a “bluntly rounded” snout. Their “slender” arms have “long” fingers, and their toes are “rounded.”

    Photos show the color variation of the new species. The frogs vary from “pale brown” to “yellowish-brown or grayish-brown” with various “dark brown markings,” researchers said. Their bellies are paler and more yellow. Their sides and legs have bright red patches.

    Manuel Ríos’ Andes frogs were found in an “elfin forest” at an elevation of about 10,760 feet, the study said. The frogs were on the ground or “perched on leaves and branches.”

    Much about the new species’ lifestyle and behavior remains unknown.

    Several Phrynopus manuelriosi, or Manuel Ríos’ Andes frogs.
    Several Phrynopus manuelriosi, or Manuel Ríos’ Andes frogs. Photos from Venegas, Ayachi, Lujan, Duran and Motta (2025)

    Researchers said they named the new species after Manuel Ríos, “a Peruvian forest engineer and professor … who has dedicated his life to preserving the natural heritage of his country.”

    So far, Manuel Ríos’ Andes frogs have only been found at one national park site in Oxapampa Province of central Peru, the study said. Although the new species lives within a legally protected area, researchers saw evidence of nearby habitat destruction and believe the frog’s survival “is not guaranteed if the borders of the protected area are not well protected.”

    The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring, finger and toe shape, body proportions, skin texture and other subtle physical features.

    The research team included Pablo Venegas, Luis Alberto García Ayachi, Lesly Lujan, Vilma Duran and Ana Motta​.

    The team also discovered a second new species of Andes frog with unique black markings.

    Aspen Pflughoeft

    McClatchy DC

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • Carnivorous creature with ‘hook’-like teeth discovered as new species in Vietnam

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    Scientists found a carnivorous creature with “hook”-like teeth in a mountain forest of Vietnam and discovered a new species, study said.

    Scientists found a carnivorous creature with “hook”-like teeth in a mountain forest of Vietnam and discovered a new species, study said.

    Photo from A. M. Bragin via Poyarkov, Skorinova, Bragin, Kolchanov, Gorin, Trofimets, Yuzefovich, Le, Nguyen and Skutschas (2025)

    On a rainy night in northern Vietnam, a carnivorous creature with “hook”-like teeth emerged from hiding and moved “slowly” along the bank of a mountain stream. Something about it caught the attention of nearby scientists — and for good reason.

    It turned out to be a “secretive” new species.

    A team of researchers visited the mountains of neighboring Nghe An Province and Thanh Hoa Province in 2019 and 2023, respectively, as part of a project to survey amphibian diversity, according to a study published Oct. 29 in the peer-reviewed journal Vertebrate Zoology.

    During the first visit, researchers found a dead snake-like amphibian, known as a caecilian, the study said. They didn’t recognize it right away then, a few years later during their second visit, they found another similar-looking caecilian.

    Intrigued by the unfamiliar-looking animals, researchers examined their anatomy and analyzed their DNA. The results showed that they’d discovered a new species: Ichthyophis griseivermis, or the Grey Worm caecilian.

    Grey Worm caecilians have limbless, “worm-like” bodies reaching about 9.5 inches in length, the study said. Their heads have “blunt” snouts, “dark-blue” eyes and a “triangular” tongue. Their teeth are “notably recurved” and “almost hook-shaped.”

    An Ichthyophis griseivermis, or the Grey Worm caecilian.
    An Ichthyophis griseivermis, or the Grey Worm caecilian. Photo from A. M. Bragin via Poyarkov, Skorinova, Bragin, Kolchanov, Gorin, Trofimets, Yuzefovich, Le, Nguyen and Skutschas (2025)

    A photo shows the “uniformly grey-brown” new species. Its sides and stomach have “a slight pinkish-purple tint,” researchers said.

    Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin words for “grey” and “worm” because of its coloring and after the character Grey Worm from the TV show “Game of Thrones” and book “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin.

    Generally, caecilians are “secretive” and “elusive” burrowing animals, living most of their lives underground, the study said.

    One Grey Worm caecilian was found “slowly crawling among the stones on the banks of a small mountain stream” at an elevation of about 2,600 feet, researchers said. The other caecilian was found “as a dead, desiccated specimen on a sandy bank of a river.”

    Like other caecilians, the Grey Worm caecilian is “carnivorous,” but “specific information about its diet” is unknown, the study said.

    So far, the new species has only been found at two sites in northern Vietnam near the border with Laos but likely lives in other nearby areas. “Further field survey efforts are needed,” the study said.

    The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring, body proportions, skeleton, snout shape, teeth, tail shape and other subtle physical features, the study said.

    The research team included Nikolay Poyarkov, Dana Skorinova, Andrey Bragin, Veniamin Kolchanov, Vladislav Gorin, Alexey Trofimets, Alexander Yuzefovich, Dac Xuan Le, Tan Van Nguyen and Pavel Skutschas.

    Aspen Pflughoeft

    McClatchy DC

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • Carnivorous creature with ‘hook’-like teeth discovered as new species in Vietnam

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    Scientists found a carnivorous creature with “hook”-like teeth in a mountain forest of Vietnam and discovered a new species, study said.

    Scientists found a carnivorous creature with “hook”-like teeth in a mountain forest of Vietnam and discovered a new species, study said.

    Photo from A. M. Bragin via Poyarkov, Skorinova, Bragin, Kolchanov, Gorin, Trofimets, Yuzefovich, Le, Nguyen and Skutschas (2025)

    On a rainy night in northern Vietnam, a carnivorous creature with “hook”-like teeth emerged from hiding and moved “slowly” along the bank of a mountain stream. Something about it caught the attention of nearby scientists — and for good reason.

    It turned out to be a “secretive” new species.

    A team of researchers visited the mountains of neighboring Nghe An Province and Thanh Hoa Province in 2019 and 2023, respectively, as part of a project to survey amphibian diversity, according to a study published Oct. 29 in the peer-reviewed journal Vertebrate Zoology.

    During the first visit, researchers found a dead snake-like amphibian, known as a caecilian, the study said. They didn’t recognize it right away then, a few years later during their second visit, they found another similar-looking caecilian.

    Intrigued by the unfamiliar-looking animals, researchers examined their anatomy and analyzed their DNA. The results showed that they’d discovered a new species: Ichthyophis griseivermis, or the Grey Worm caecilian.

    Grey Worm caecilians have limbless, “worm-like” bodies reaching about 9.5 inches in length, the study said. Their heads have “blunt” snouts, “dark-blue” eyes and a “triangular” tongue. Their teeth are “notably recurved” and “almost hook-shaped.”

    An Ichthyophis griseivermis, or the Grey Worm caecilian.
    An Ichthyophis griseivermis, or the Grey Worm caecilian. Photo from A. M. Bragin via Poyarkov, Skorinova, Bragin, Kolchanov, Gorin, Trofimets, Yuzefovich, Le, Nguyen and Skutschas (2025)

    A photo shows the “uniformly grey-brown” new species. Its sides and stomach have “a slight pinkish-purple tint,” researchers said.

    Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin words for “grey” and “worm” because of its coloring and after the character Grey Worm from the TV show “Game of Thrones” and book “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin.

    Generally, caecilians are “secretive” and “elusive” burrowing animals, living most of their lives underground, the study said.

    One Grey Worm caecilian was found “slowly crawling among the stones on the banks of a small mountain stream” at an elevation of about 2,600 feet, researchers said. The other caecilian was found “as a dead, desiccated specimen on a sandy bank of a river.”

    Like other caecilians, the Grey Worm caecilian is “carnivorous,” but “specific information about its diet” is unknown, the study said.

    So far, the new species has only been found at two sites in northern Vietnam near the border with Laos but likely lives in other nearby areas. “Further field survey efforts are needed,” the study said.

    The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring, body proportions, skeleton, snout shape, teeth, tail shape and other subtle physical features, the study said.

    The research team included Nikolay Poyarkov, Dana Skorinova, Andrey Bragin, Veniamin Kolchanov, Vladislav Gorin, Alexey Trofimets, Alexander Yuzefovich, Dac Xuan Le, Tan Van Nguyen and Pavel Skutschas.

    Aspen Pflughoeft

    McClatchy DC

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • ‘Dragon’-like creature with pink legs found at monastery. It’s a new species

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    Scientists found a “dragon”-like creature with “long” pink legs at a monastery in Thailand and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Scientists found a “dragon”-like creature with “long” pink legs at a monastery in Thailand and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Google Street View November 2023 © 2025 Google

    At a monastery in Thailand, a “dragon”-like creature used its “long” pink legs to climb across the rocks toward a potential mate. Something about it caught the attention of visiting scientists — and for good reason.

    It turned out to be a new species.

    A team of researchers visited Nam Ok Ru Monastery in 2024 as part of a project to survey wildlife in “unexplored areas,” according to a study published Oct. 14 in the peer-reviewed journal Tropical Natural History.

    While searching the area around the monastery, researchers climbed some rock formations and found dozens of unfamiliar-looking millipedes with colorful legs, the study said. They took a closer look at the animals, analyzed their DNA and quickly realized they’d discovered a new species: Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipede.

    A Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipede.
    A Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipede. Photo from Ruttapon Srisonchai

    Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes have about 20 body segments and can reach just over an inch in length, the study said. They have “slender” antennae and “long” pink legs. Pairs of “wing-like” spike structures jut out of their backs.

    Photos show the brown and pink coloring of the new species.

    A Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipede.
    A Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipede. Photo from Ruttapon Srisonchai

    Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes “were observed crawling on rock walls or large limestone boulders with moist surfaces,” researchers said. One pair of millipedes were seen on top of each other and described as “amorous.” No millipedes were seen “on the ground or on tree branches.”

    An “amorous” pair of Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes.
    An “amorous” pair of Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes. Photo from Ruttapon Srisonchai via Srisonchai, Srikampha, Benchapong and Panha (2025)

    Researchers said they named the new species after Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand because her “remarkable contributions have significantly advanced biodiversity research and the preservation of Thailand’s natural heritage for future generations.”

    So far, Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes have only been found at Nam Ok Ru Monastery, a roughly 380-mile drive northwest from Bangkok and along the Thailand-Myanmar border, the study said. The new species may also live in “adjacent regions of Myanmar.”

    The habitat of Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes.
    The habitat of Desmoxytes sirindhornae, or Sirindhorn’s dragon millipedes. Photo from Ruttapon Srisonchai via Srisonchai, Srikampha, Benchapong and Panha (2025)

    The new species was “easily” identified by its coloring, legs, body proportions, genitalia and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 10% genetic divergence from related species.

    The research team included Ruttapon Srisonchai, Khanet Srikampha, Theemaporn Benchapong and Somsak Panha.

    The team also discovered a second new species of dragon millipede at a cave.

    Aspen Pflughoeft

    McClatchy DC

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • Deep-sea creature — that can ‘shape-shift’ — is new species off Japan. See it

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    In the deep sea of a Japan bay, a new species was discovered.

    In the deep sea of a Japan bay, a new species was discovered.

    Matt Hardy via Unsplash

    In the deep sea, there are places where chemicals and nutrients seep out of the sediment and into the water.

    These chemosynthetics-based ecosystems were discovered in 1977, and in the decades since, researchers have been working to understand the strange and unique creatures that are able to call the sites home.

    More recently, companies have become interested in mining these deep-sea vents for their “massive sulfide deposits” or “gas hydrates,” putting a clock on ecological research, according to a study published Sept. 24 in the peer-reviewed journal Contributions to Zoology.

    Using both manned and unmanned submersible vehicles, researchers off the coast of Japan set out to look at multiple vent fields, according to the study.

    They discovered limpets around the seeps, or mollusks with a conical shell and fleshy body underneath.

    One of them was unlike anything that had been recorded before — a new species.

    The limpet was collected from a hydrocarbon seep about 3,000 feet below the surface, researchers said.

    It’s “medium-sized,” with shells about 0.2 inches long, according to the study.

    The limpets live on worm tubes or other mollusks.
    The limpets live on worm tubes or other mollusks. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology

    However, the limpets show “highly variable shell morphology ranging from tall shells … (to) flat shells,” according to the study.

    When the limpets are attached to worm tubes, they are tall, but while they are attached to the shells of mussels, they are flat, researchers said.

    The creatures can therefore “shape-shift” to perfectly fit their environment, according to the study.

    The shells are “bluish white” in color and considered “translucent,” researchers said.

    The new species was named Pyropelta artemis, or the Artemis limpet.

    The bluish, translucent shells can change shape based on where the limpet is attached.
    The bluish, translucent shells can change shape based on where the limpet is attached. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology

    Artemis is the “goddess of the Moon and the hunt in Greek mythology,” researchers said, and the changing shell shapes of the new species is likened “to the moon’s waxing and waning.”

    The species has only been found in Sagami Bay, Japan, “where it occurs on tubeworms and the surfaces of other molluscs,” according to the study.

    Two related species — P. yamato and P. ryukyuensis — have been listed as both critically endangered and endangered because of the threats of mining to the sulfide deposits in the deep sea off Japan, researchers said.

    “We must continue to ensure that future conservation measures take these limpets into account and not overlook them because of their apparent rarity or minute size,” according to the study.

    Sagami Bay is on the eastern coast of Japan, southwest of Tokyo.

    The research team includes Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe.

    Irene Wright

    McClatchy DC

    Irene Wright is a McClatchy Real-Time reporter. She earned a B.A. in ecology and an M.A. in health and medical journalism from the University of Georgia and is now based in Atlanta. Irene previously worked as a business reporter at The Dallas Morning News.

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  • Deep-sea creature — that can ‘shape-shift’ — is new species off Japan. See it

    [ad_1]

    In the deep sea of a Japan bay, a new species was discovered.

    In the deep sea of a Japan bay, a new species was discovered.

    Matt Hardy via Unsplash

    In the deep sea, there are places where chemicals and nutrients seep out of the sediment and into the water.

    These chemosynthetics-based ecosystems were discovered in 1977, and in the decades since, researchers have been working to understand the strange and unique creatures that are able to call the sites home.

    More recently, companies have become interested in mining these deep-sea vents for their “massive sulfide deposits” or “gas hydrates,” putting a clock on ecological research, according to a study published Sept. 24 in the peer-reviewed journal Contributions to Zoology.

    Using both manned and unmanned submersible vehicles, researchers off the coast of Japan set out to look at multiple vent fields, according to the study.

    They discovered limpets around the seeps, or mollusks with a conical shell and fleshy body underneath.

    One of them was unlike anything that had been recorded before — a new species.

    The limpet was collected from a hydrocarbon seep about 3,000 feet below the surface, researchers said.

    It’s “medium-sized,” with shells about 0.2 inches long, according to the study.

    The limpets live on worm tubes or other mollusks.
    The limpets live on worm tubes or other mollusks. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology

    However, the limpets show “highly variable shell morphology ranging from tall shells … (to) flat shells,” according to the study.

    When the limpets are attached to worm tubes, they are tall, but while they are attached to the shells of mussels, they are flat, researchers said.

    The creatures can therefore “shape-shift” to perfectly fit their environment, according to the study.

    The shells are “bluish white” in color and considered “translucent,” researchers said.

    The new species was named Pyropelta artemis, or the Artemis limpet.

    The bluish, translucent shells can change shape based on where the limpet is attached.
    The bluish, translucent shells can change shape based on where the limpet is attached. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology

    Artemis is the “goddess of the Moon and the hunt in Greek mythology,” researchers said, and the changing shell shapes of the new species is likened “to the moon’s waxing and waning.”

    The species has only been found in Sagami Bay, Japan, “where it occurs on tubeworms and the surfaces of other molluscs,” according to the study.

    Two related species — P. yamato and P. ryukyuensis — have been listed as both critically endangered and endangered because of the threats of mining to the sulfide deposits in the deep sea off Japan, researchers said.

    “We must continue to ensure that future conservation measures take these limpets into account and not overlook them because of their apparent rarity or minute size,” according to the study.

    Sagami Bay is on the eastern coast of Japan, southwest of Tokyo.

    The research team includes Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe.

    Irene Wright

    McClatchy DC

    Irene Wright is a McClatchy Real-Time reporter. She earned a B.A. in ecology and an M.A. in health and medical journalism from the University of Georgia and is now based in Atlanta. Irene previously worked as a business reporter at The Dallas Morning News.

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  • Pale creature with ‘sharp’ claws found in cave in China. It’s a new species

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    Scientists found a pale creature with “sharp” in a cave in China and discovered a new species, a study said and photo shows.

    Scientists found a pale creature with “sharp” in a cave in China and discovered a new species, a study said and photo shows.

    Photo from Getty / iStockphoto

    In a mountainous cave of southeastern China, a pale creature with “sharp” claws moved along the rocky ground. A beam of light cut through the shadows and eventually landed on it.

    Scientists peered at the lurking animal — and discovered a new species.

    A team of researchers spent nearly two years visiting caves in the Wuling Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot that spans Hunan province, as part of a project to survey “cave biological resources,” according to a study published Sept. 23 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.

    During their surveys, which lasted from 2023 to 2025, researchers found dozens of cave-dwelling millipedes, the study said. They took a closer look at the animals and quickly realized they’d discovered a new species: Epanerchodus shibadongensis, or the Shibadong millipede.

    An Epanerchodus shibadongensis, or Shibadong millipede, in its natural habitat.
    An Epanerchodus shibadongensis, or Shibadong millipede, in its natural habitat. Photo from Li, Deng, Li, Huang, Tang, Zou and Liu (2025)

    Shibadong millipedes are considered “larger” millipedes, reaching about an inch in length, the study said. They have “long and slender” antennae on their heads, 20 body segments and “slender” legs ending in “sharp” claws.

    A photo shows the pale “whitish” coloring of the new species.

    Shibadong millipedes have only been found in caves, the study said. Much about their lifestyle and behavior remains unknown.

    Researchers said they named the new species after Shibadong Village and Shiba Cave where it was first discovered.

    So far, Shibadong millipedes have been found at three caves in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, a region of Hunan province in southeastern China, the study said.

    “Given the extreme and highly fragile nature of cave ecosystems, it is of utmost importance to enhance protection efforts,” researchers said.

    The new species was identified by its coloring, body segments, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least about 12% genetic divergence from related species.

    The research team included Shi Li, Hua-Juan Deng, Lin-Bei Li, Jie Huang, Yan Tang, Ya-Zhen Zou and Zhi-Xiao Liu.

    The team also discovered a second new species of cave-dwelling millipede.

    Aspen Pflughoeft

    McClatchy DC

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • 2-foot-long creature found lurking near stream in China. It’s a new species

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    Scientists found a 2-foot-long creature with “large” eyes lurking near a stream in China and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Scientists found a 2-foot-long creature with “large” eyes lurking near a stream in China and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Photo from Getty / iStockphoto

    As night settled across southern China, a “slender” 2-foot-long creature moved along the ground near a stream. Its “large” eyes scanned the surrounding foliage, but it wasn’t alone.

    Passing scientists noticed the patterned animal — and discovered a new species.

    A team of researchers visited several sites in Yunnan province between 2018 and 2023 as part of their ongoing efforts to survey the region’s biodiverse wildlife, according to a study published Oct. 3 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.

    During their nighttime searches, researchers found four vaguely familiar-looking snakes, the study said. At first, they suspected the snakes might be a widespread species. But, when researchers looked closer, they noticed unique features and realized they’d discovered a new species: Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake.

    A Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake.
    A Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake. Photo from Liu, Wang, Hou, Zhang, Wang, Zong, Zhou, Rao, David and Vogel (2025)

    Shan’s keelback snakes have “slender” bodies reaching up to 2 feet in length, the study said. Their “large” heads have a “narrow” snout, dozens of teeth and “large” “bronze” eyes. Their tails are “relatively long,” and their scales have a slightly rough texture.

    Photos show the pattern and coloring of the new species.

    The head of a Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake.
    The head of a Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake. Photos from Liu, Wang, Hou, Zhang, Wang, Zong, Zhou, Rao, David and Vogel (2025)

    Seen from above, the snake’s body is “greyish brown to black” with “light yellow intermixed with light orange spots,” and its head has a “distinct continuous white streak,” researchers said. Seen from below, its belly is pale white.

    Shan’s keelback snakes were found “on the ground beside streams at night,” but much about their lifestyle and behavior remains unknown, researchers said.

    Generally, keelback snakes are “non-venomous” and “semi-aquatic,” the study said.

    A Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake, seen from above and below.
    A Hebius shantianfangi, or Shan’s keelback snake, seen from above and below. Photos from Liu, Wang, Hou, Zhang, Wang, Zong, Zhou, Rao, David and Vogel (2025)

    Researchers said they named the new species after the late Shan Tianfang, a “renowned Chinese storytelling artist … who devoted his whole life to storytelling and left countless indelible memories for people.”

    So far, Shan’s keelback snakes have only been found in two parts of Yunnan province, a region of southern China bordering Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

    The new species was identified by its coloring, teeth, scale arrangement, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least about 7% genetic divergence from related species.

    The research team included Shuo Liu, JiShan Wang, Mian Hou, Liang Zhang, Qiaoyan Wang, Chunmiao Zong, Jiang Zhou, Dingqi Rao, Patrick David and Gernot Vogel.

    Aspen Pflughoeft

    McClatchy DC

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • ‘Skittish’ creature found lurking in rocky caves of Thailand. It’s a new species

    ‘Skittish’ creature found lurking in rocky caves of Thailand. It’s a new species

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    Scientists found a “skittish” animal with “reddish gold” eyes lurking in caves of Thailand and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Scientists found a “skittish” animal with “reddish gold” eyes lurking in caves of Thailand and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Photos from Evan Quah via Grismer, Aowphol, Grismer, Aksornneam, Quah, Murdoch, Gregory, Nguyen, Kaatz, Bringsøe and Rujirawan (2024)

    As darkness fell across a cave in northern Thailand, a “skittish” creature emerged from hiding and ventured into the night.

    Visiting scientists caught sight of the “long”-tailed animal — and discovered a new species.

    Researchers visited the rocky caves around Pha Mi Village in March 2023 as part of a wildlife survey, according to a study published May 30 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys. The area’s biodiversity had not been well-explored or documented.

    During the nighttime survey, researchers found 15 “skittish” geckos living around the rock formations, the study said. They took a closer look at the animals and realized they’d discovered a new species: Cyrtodactylus phamiensis, or the Pha Mi bent-toed gecko.

    Pha Mi bent-toed geckos are about 5.8 inches in length, the study said. They have “flattened” heads, spiky bodies and “long” tails that are often missing or regrown. Their “large” eyes are “reddish gold with thin black reticulations.”

    A male Cyrtodactylus phamiensis, or Pha Mi bent-toed gecko.
    A male Cyrtodactylus phamiensis, or Pha Mi bent-toed gecko. Photo from Grismer, Aowphol, Grismer, Aksornneam, Quah, Murdoch, Gregory, Nguyen, Kaatz, Bringsøe and Rujirawan (2024)

    A photo shows the tan coloring of a male Pha Mi bent-toed gecko. The lizard has several darker brown bands running across its back and a few white patches on its tail. Its head has a slight yellow hue.

    Females of the new species have a similar coloring as males but can vary slightly in pattern, the study said. A baby Pha Mi bent-toed gecko, however, has a bright yellow head, pinkish tones on its upper body and a lighter colored tail, a photo shows.

    Pha Mi bent-toed geckos are nocturnal, living in and around rocky caves, the study said. Baby geckos tended to be outside and further away from the cave than adults. Researchers suspect “this may be a way to avoid predation by adults as well as a means to disperse to other karst habitats.”

    A baby (B) and several female Cyrtodactylus phamiensis, or Pha Mi bent-toed gecko.
    A baby (B) and several female Cyrtodactylus phamiensis, or Pha Mi bent-toed gecko. Photos from Grismer, Aowphol, Grismer, Aksornneam, Quah, Murdoch, Gregory, Nguyen, Kaatz, Bringsøe and Rujirawan (2024)

    Researchers described Pha Mi bent-toed geckos as having a “skittish nature” and tendency not to “stray far from their shelters.” This behavior might stem from the presence of several nearby predators, including larger geckos and pit vipers, the study said.

    Researchers said they named the new species after the Pha Mi Village where it was discovered and, so far, the only area where it has been found. This village is in the “extreme” north of Thailand and near the border with Myanmar.

    The new species likely lives throughout the rock formations in Pha Mi Village area, the study said.

    The new species was identified by its distribution, coloring, scale pattern and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had a “large” genetic divergence of at least 13% from other related geckos.

    The research team included L. Lee Grismer, Anchalee Aowphol, Jesse Grismer, Akrachai Aksornneam, Evan Quah, Matthew Murdoch, Jeren Gregory, Eddie Nguyen, Amanda Kaatz, Henrik Bringsøe and Attapol Rujirawan.

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • ‘Large’ pregnant creature with ‘heart‑shaped’ spot found in China. It’s a new species

    ‘Large’ pregnant creature with ‘heart‑shaped’ spot found in China. It’s a new species

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    Scientists found a “large” pregnant animal in a mountain valley of China and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Scientists found a “large” pregnant animal in a mountain valley of China and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Photo from Cai, Liu, Liang, Hou, Zhou, Zhong, Li and Chang (2024)

    In the mountains of central China, a “large” pregnant creature perched at the edge of a forest. Down the scaly predator’s back ran a line of “heart-shaped” spots.

    Visiting scientists spotted the colorful animal — and discovered a new species.

    Researchers visited the Dadu River valley in Sichuan Province several times between 2018 and 2022, according to a study published April 29 in the peer-reviewed journal Animals. Their goal? Find some lizards.

    During the surveys, researchers found dozens of “large” lizards, the study said. At first, they thought the animals were a new population of a known species, but when they looked closer, they realized they’d discovered a new species: Diploderma daduense, or the Dadu mountain lizard.

    Dadu mountain lizards are considered “large,” reaching up to 13 inches long, the study said. Males and females vary in coloring but have primarily green, scaly bodies scattered with brown and black blotches.

    A male Diploderma daduense, or Dadu mountain lizard, seen normally (A) and when stressed (B).
    A male Diploderma daduense, or Dadu mountain lizard, seen normally (A) and when stressed (B). Photos from Cai, Liu, Liang, Hou, Zhou, Zhong, Li and Chang (2024)

    Photos show a male Dadu mountain lizard. Its back is a mixture of greens and teals with black patches while its underside is dark brown. When stressed, its coloring darkens and becomes primarily grayish brown.

    Other photos show the olive green coloring and brown patches of a female Dadu mountain lizard. Females have “heart‑shaped or diamond‑shaped black patches” down their back, the study said.

    Researchers found one female lizard pregnant with two eggs, the study said. The new species can carry up to seven eggs at once.

    A female Diploderma daduense, or Dadu mountain lizard.
    A female Diploderma daduense, or Dadu mountain lizard. Photos from Cai, Liu, Liang, Hou, Zhou, Zhong, Li and Chang (2024)

    Dadu mountain lizards live in forested valleys along the Dadu River between elevations of about 1,900 and 6,800 feet, researchers said. The lizards were “commonly found on tree branches, shrublands, crevice‑filled rock piles, or soil walls at forest edges.” These scaly predators feed on insects and spiders.

    Researchers said they named the new species after the Dadu River valley where it was first discovered.

    So far, Dadu mountain lizards have been found in five counties and several other sites in Sichuan Province, the study said. Sichuan Province is in south-central China, a roughly 1,100-mile drive southwest of Beijing.

    The new species was identified by its size, color, pattern, scale arrangement, body shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 7% genetic divergence from other lizard species.

    The research team included Bo Cai, Fengjing Liu, Dong Liang, Mian Hou, Huaming Zhou, Jiayun Zhong, Jing Li and Jiang Chang.

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • ‘Rare’ winged creature — with ‘magical red’ body — discovered as new species in China

    ‘Rare’ winged creature — with ‘magical red’ body — discovered as new species in China

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    Scientists found a winged animal with a “metallic” body in a forest of Yunnan and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Scientists found a winged animal with a “metallic” body in a forest of Yunnan and discovered a new species, a study said.

    Photo from Qi, Su, Liao, Ai, Ding and Song (2024), shared by Hai-Tian Song

    Concealed among the leaves of a forest in China was a winged creature with a “magical red” body. The shiny, “metallic” animal was much harder to find than it might seem.

    When scientists finally encountered the “rare” animal, they discovered it was a new species.

    Researchers ventured into the mountains of Yunnan province in May 2022, according to a study published Feb. 14 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.

    While there, researchers found a red insect perched on a twig and captured it. They took a closer look at the animal and realized they’d discovered a new species: Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle.

    A Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle, as seen from the top, side and bottom.
    A Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle, as seen from the top, side and bottom. Photos from Qi, Su, Liao, Ai, Ding and Song (2024), shared by Hai-Tian Song

    The Geng-Min’s jewel beetle can reach about 1 inch in length, the study said. From above, it appears primarily red with two navy blue stripes running down its back. Its head has a mixture of iridescent purple, orange and green. From below, it has a purple stomach with a few blue patches.

    Photos show the shiny new species. Researchers described its coloring as “metallic” and “magical red.”

    A Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle, with outstretched wings.
    A Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle, with outstretched wings. Photo from Qi, Su, Liao, Ai, Ding and Song (2024), shared by Hai-Tian Song

    Another photo shows a Geng-Min’s jewel beetle with its wings outstretched.

    Researchers said they named the new species after Geng-Min Song, the “father of (the lead co-author Hai-Tian Song), who recognized (Song’s) interest in insects and accompanied him in collecting and learning.”

    Jewel beetles in the Akiyamaia subgenus are generally “rare” and “difficult to collect,” researchers said.

    A Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle, on a twig.
    A Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle, on a twig. Photo from Qi, Su, Liao, Ai, Ding and Song (2024), shared by Hai-Tian Song

    So far, Geng-Min’s jewel beetle is known from only one specimen found in Yunnan, the study said. This province is in southwestern China, bordering Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

    The new species was identified by its body shape, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers did not provide a DNA analysis of the new species.

    The research team included Zhi-Hao Qi, Rong-Xiang Su, Zhi-Yu Liao, Hong-Mu Ai, Bi Ding and Hai-Tian Song. The team also discovered a second new species of jewel beetle.

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • ‘Alien-faced’ creature — with ‘about 200 legs’ — discovered as new species in Tanzania

    ‘Alien-faced’ creature — with ‘about 200 legs’ — discovered as new species in Tanzania

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    Scientists found an “alien-faced” animal on a mountain in Tanzania and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo shows a representative mountain.

    Scientists found an “alien-faced” animal on a mountain in Tanzania and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo shows a representative mountain.

    Photo from samson tarimo via Unsplash

    On a mountain in Tanzania, an “alien-faced” creature walked along on its countless legs. Suddenly, the ground underneath the animal seemed to give out, and it fell into a trap.

    Scientists picked up their catch — and discovered a new species.

    Researchers ventured into the mountains of the eastern African country as part of the Forest Restoration and Climate Experiment, according to a study published Jan. 22 in the European Journal of Taxonomy. The project evaluates the health of a forest through the study of captured insects and millipedes.

    While surveying the Udzungwa Mountains, researchers checked their pitfall traps and found dozens of millipedes that didn’t match any known records, the study said.

    They took a closer look at the animals and realized they’d discovered a new species: Udzungwastreptus marianae, or Marian’s millipede.

    Marian’s millipedes can have up to 44 body segments and reach about 1.7 inches in length, researchers said. They have “small” eyes and “short” antennae on their heads.

    A photo shows the yellow-bodied Marian’s millipede curled in a spiral.

    A Udzungwastreptus marianae, or Marian’s millipede, curled into a spiral.
    A Udzungwastreptus marianae, or Marian’s millipede, curled into a spiral. Photo from S.G. Selvantharan via Enghoff, Ngute, Kwezaura, Laizzer, Lyatuu, Mhagawale, Mnendendo and Marshall (2024)

    Study co-author Andrew Marshall described the new species as “alien-faced” with “about 200 legs,” according to a Feb. 1 news release from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

    A close-up photo shows the head of a Marian’s millipede. Overall, it looks a bit like a helmet with a wrinkled texture.

    The head of a Udzungwastreptus marianae, or Marian’s millipede, as seen under a microscope.
    The head of a Udzungwastreptus marianae, or Marian’s millipede, as seen under a microscope. Photo from Enghoff, Ngute, Kwezaura, Laizzer, Lyatuu, Mhagawale, Mnendendo and Marshall (2024)

    Researchers said they named the new species after María Ángeles (Marian) Ramos, a “Spanish zoologist, close project partner and friend of (lead co-author Henrick Enghoff) through decades” who died in 2023.

    Marian’s millipedes were found in the forest soil in three areas of the Udzungwa Mountains, the study said. These mountains are about 180 miles southwest of Tanzania’s largest city of Dar es Salaam.

    Tanzania is along the eastern coast of Africa. It borders eight countries including: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.

    The new species was identified by its legs, body segments, genitalia and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers classified it as a new genus, Udzungwastreptus, named after the mountain area where it was discovered.

    The research team included Henrik Enghoff, Alain Ngute, Revocatus Kwezaura, Richard Laizzer, Herman Lyatuu, Waziri Mhagawale, Hamidu Mnendendo and Andrew Marshall.

    The team also discovered four more new species of millipede.

    Aspen Pflughoeft covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Minerva University where she studied communications, history, and international politics. Previously, she reported for Deseret News.

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  • Five new alien-faced species of millipede revealed in “remarkable” find

    Five new alien-faced species of millipede revealed in “remarkable” find

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    Five new spooky-looking species of millipede have been discovered, one of which belongs to a totally unknown group of critters.

    The new species, which resemble something out of a sci-fi movie, were found in the forest litter of Tanzania’s remote Udzungwa Mountains, according to a new paper in the European Journal of Taxonomy.

    “We record millipedes of all sizes during our fieldwork to measure forest recovery because they are great indicators of forest health, but we didn’t realize the significance of these species until the myriapodologists had assessed our specimens,” Andy Marshall, a professor of tropical forest conservation at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and discoverer of the new species, said in a statement.

    “It’s remarkable that so many of these new species did not appear in earlier collecting of millipedes from the same area, but we were still hoping for something new.”

    The heads of two of the new millipede species, Lophostreptus magombera and Udzungwastreptus marianae. These new species, alongside three others, were discovered in a forest in Tanzania.

    Credit: European Journal of Taxonomy 2024. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2024.918.2405

    Millipedes are actually not insects, but something called diplopods, and are defined by their elongated bodies and plentiful legs. Despite the name millipede translating roughly to “thousand feet,” no species was known to have over 1,000 legs until 2020, when a species named Eumillipes persephone was found to have up to 1,300 legs.

    There are around 12,000 species of millipede worldwide, but the true total may be much higher. Some estimates predict that there may be 15,000 species in total, but others think that there may be as many as 80,000.

    Most millipedes are fairly small, but the largest species of millipede, found in Africa, can grow as large as 13.8 inches long. These new species were much smaller than this, at only around an inch long, and had 200 or so legs each.

    The five new species were named Lophostreptus magombera; Attemsostreptus cataractae; Attemsostreptus leptoptilos; Attemsostreptus julostriatus and Udzungwastreptus marianae, the latter of which was part of a whole new genus: Udzungwastreptus.

    This discovery was made during an expedition meant to examine how forests in the area were being affected by logging and other disturbances, and how woody vines may be taking over the region, driven by warmer temperatures.

    “The millipedes will help us to determine two very different theories on the role of vines on forest recovery—whether the vines are like bandages protecting a wound or ‘parasitoids’ choking the forest,” Marshall said.

    millipedes
    Box of sample millipedes collected by UniSC FoRCE project researchers in Tanzania. Some of these species have never before been seen.

    A.R. Marshall

    The new millipede specimens have been taken to Denmark’s Natural History Museum at the University of Copenhagen. This is not the first time that Marshall has discovered a new species, having already been responsible for uncovering a new species of chameleon, and a new species of tree.

    These discoveries, including the millipedes, are hoped to highlight the sheer amount of undiscovered diversity lurking in forests around the world.

    He said unearthing the new genus and species of millipedes highlighted the huge amount of discovery remaining in tropical forests.

    Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about millipedes? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.