New grasshopper species discovered in Iran
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Scientists in Iran discovered a new species of grasshopper, known as a “meadow grasshopper” in Greece, within oak forests in the Lorestan province of western Iran.
Researchers studying the forests collected a specimen that detailed examination revealed to be previously unknown to science. They named the new species Rivetina archibaldi in honor of George Archibald, a conservationist who dedicated over 50 years to wildlife protection, particularly cranes.
The scientists identified the species based on a male sample collected in June 2016 at an altitude of 1,128 meters. Rivetina archibaldi belongs to the Rivetinidae family, ground-dwelling grasshoppers found in the Mediterranean, Western and Central Asia. Unlike related European species, Rivetina grasshoppers lack green coloration, move quickly on the ground, and shelter under stones. Researchers raised young grasshopper samples collected from under oak trees and then compared them to existing records from Iran, Yemen, and Palestine.
They found unique characteristics in the new species, specifically in the metazone, the section of the thorax behind the front legs, distinguishing it from other Middle Eastern grasshoppers. Male specimens averaged 55.5 millimeters in length with wings that didn't reach the end of the abdomen, while females measured around 56.4 millimeters and were a darker, greyish-brown color. Scientists believe many more species remain undiscovered in this region, due to their similar appearances.
