New grasshoppers discovered expand Amazon biodiversity knowledge

Larissa Queiroz, an entomologist at the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) in Brazil, and her colleagues identified nine previously unknown species of grasshoppers in the Amazon rainforest and surrounding areas.

Queiroz began researching specimens in scientific collections and noticed many lacked identification. These grasshoppers, belonging to the Proscopiini group, had often been mistaken for stick insects. Understanding which species inhabit a forest is essential for biodiversity studies and conservation efforts, as insects are a key part of the fauna.

To determine the evolutionary relationships within the Proscopiidae family, to which the Proscopiini belong, the researchers conducted the first phylogenetic analysis of this group, comparing the morphology of 51 species based on 80 characteristics. This work, published in Zootaxa, resulted in the description of four new genera and nine new species, as well as reclassifications of existing ones. The team faced challenges in identifying species, as subtle differences, particularly in reproductive structures, are crucial.

One new species, Celatus nath, was initially identified from a single photograph and required five months of fieldwork to locate a male specimen, as the males and females have different markings. The researchers named the new species and genera to reflect both scientific accuracy and the cultural heritage of the Amazon, including references to indigenous languages and the Boi-Bumbá Garantido festival. This approach aims to connect scientific research with the local communities and knowledge systems of the region.