New Species

A groundbreaking discovery by Griffith University researchers reveals four new algae species in the Great Barrier Reef, reshaping our understanding of their ecological importance and highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts amidst climate change threats.A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and unique reefs systems of the Coral Sea and Lord Howe Island, leading to a greater understanding of how the world heritage-listed landmark is protected. An…

Artist illustration of Nanotyrannus attacking a juvenile T. rex. Credit: Raul MartinNanotyrannus was a smaller, longer-armed relative of T. rex, with a narrower snout.A new analysis of fossils believed to be juveniles of T. rex now shows they were adults of a small tyrannosaur, with narrower jaws, longer legs, and bigger arms than T. rex. The species, Nanotyrannus lancensis, was first named decades ago but later reinterpreted as a young T. rex.The first skull of Nanotyrannus was found in Montana in 1942, but for decades,…

A new iguana species, Wang’s garden lizard, has been identified in Asia, featuring unique characteristics and a diverse diet. While not currently threatened, conservation concerns have been raised due to habitat fragmentation and human exploitation. Credit: Huang et al.A newly discovered iguana species adds to Asia’s diverse reptile population, having been formally recognized in the scientific community through its description in the open-access journal ZooKeys.“From 2009 to 2022, we conducted a series of field surveys in…

Mirlatia arcuata, a newly discovered moth species in Europe, reveals gaps in our knowledge of European Lepidoptera. Its unique characteristics and the mystery surrounding its habitat and adaptation highlight the ongoing need for research in this field. Above is an adult male of Mirlatia arcuata. Credit: Hausmann et al.European Lepidoptera, comprising butterflies and moths, are known to have around 11,000 species and are considered well-researched. However, the discovery of a new genus and species within the Geometrid moth…

Tulostoma shaihuludii and an illustration of a ‘Shai-Hulud’ sandworm. Credit: Photo by Péter Finy; illustration by Dániel G. Knapp The researchers were inspired by the appearance and habitat of the fungus, drawing parallels to the iconic sandworms known as ‘Shai-Hulud’ from Frank Herbert’s renowned science fiction novel. A recently discovered species of stalked puffball, a gasteroid fungus, has been named in honor of the ‘Shai-Hulud’ sandworms from Frank Herbert’s famous science fiction series ‘Dune.’ Discovered in…

Some specimens of mulgaras used in this investigation from the Western Australian Museum Mammology collection. Credit: Photo by Jake Newman-Martin. Courtesy WA Museum Researchers from Curtin University have made a bittersweet discovery, identifying three new species of mulgaras, small Australian marsupials. While this finding expands our understanding of marsupials related to Tasmanian Devils and quolls, it is marred by the likelihood that these newly discovered species are already extinct. These mulgaras, known for…

By Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University December 4, 2023 Hannan’s Pygmy Squid (Kodama jujutsu) with raised arms, photographed in the wild. Credit: Brandon Ryan Hannan In the coastal waters of the Okinawa Islands, researchers have discovered two species of cephalopods, named in honor of traditional Japanese folklore. The underwater landscapes near Okinawa, a Japanese sub-tropical island chain, are among Earth’s most diverse ecosystems. Boasting over 360 types of coral, these vibrant and…