Latest news with #SubterraneanBiology
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Cave-dwelling tarantula — at home in total darkness — rediscovered after 133 years
A cave-dwelling tarantula not seen since it was first described in 1892 has been rediscovered in the Philippines. French naturalist Eugène Simon first discovered Orphnaecus pellitus in the Culapnitan Caves in the Philippines. It was in this same cave system where researchers confirmed its continued existence 133 years later, according to a June 5 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Subterranean Biology. Researchers said Simon only got a 'quick observation' of the tarantula, but based on his descriptions, experts suspected the species was troglobitic, or adapted to live exclusively in the complete darkness of caves. Orphnaecus pellitus specimens were collected from the dark zones of three interconnected caves, where there is no penetration of light, according to the study. Researchers said physical characteristics such as its 'distinctly tiny eyes,' elongated legs and light body color confirmed the species to be a 'true troglobitic tarantula,' and the only one out of '19 known troglobitic tarantula species' worldwide to exist in Asia. The tarantulas were subjected to a hypoxia test, which researchers often perform to assess a species' adaptations to low-oxygen environments like caves. They discovered that when deprived of oxygen, Orphnaecus pellitus took between five and 12 minutes to lose consciousness, whereas other species typically become unresponsive in less than two minutes, according to the study. Orphnaecus pellitus was quick to recover, and no fatalities were recorded, researchers said. The tarantulas also displayed 'heightened sensitivity to ground movements,' retreating into their burrows when they were approached from more than 3 feet away, according to the study. The species has developed highly efficient prey detection and capture instincts, researchers said, adding that specimens they collected and observed in a laboratory setting never once paused to observe their surroundings before capturing live insects. Juveniles were observed preying on insects three times their body size, researchers said. During their fieldwork, researchers discovered two new tarantula species in the forests surround the caves. Both species are members of the Orphnaecus genus, according to the study. The research team included Darrell C. Acuña, Lorenz Rhuel P. Ragasa, Myla R. Santiago-Bautista, Volker von Wirth and Leonardo A. Guevarra Jr.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Large'-eyed creature found lurking in ancient Roman mine. It's a new species
Underneath a town in Spain, a team of researchers shined their flashlights around an ancient Roman mine and waded through the knee-deep water. They picked up some rotting wood crawling with tiny animals. They didn't realize it right away, but they'd just discovered a new species. A group of scientists and members of the Andalusian Association of Underground Exploration ventured into 'the so-called ' San Antón water mine '' underneath Carmona in 2021 and 2022 to study its ecosystem, according to a study published May 15 in the peer-reviewed journal Subterranean Biology. Click to resize The water mine had several interconnected galleries, or aqueducts, for collecting groundwater and was 'created during the Roman period, approximately (2,000) years ago,' researchers said. 'The system still maintains a permanent stream and was used until recent times to supply water to residents, orchards and hydraulic infrastructure.' While inside the ancient Roman mine, the team noticed small crustaceans on decomposing wood chunks, the study said. Intrigued, they captured a few of these animals and, after taking a closer look, realized they'd discovered a new species: Baeticoniscus carmonaensis, or the Carmona isopod. Isopods are a diverse group of invertebrates that includes pill bugs and woodlice, among others, and are part of the larger category of crustaceans, a category best known for including crabs, lobsters and shrimp. Carmona isopods are about 0.1 inches in length, have segmented bodies with antennae and 'large' black eyes, the study said. Photos show the 'colorless' new species. Carmona isopods were 'found in elevated areas within the gallery system' typically 'on or within pieces of rotten wood, likely fallen from wells connected to the underground galleries,' researchers said. The isopods were seen 'moving and hiding within the crevices of this decomposing material.' 'This new species of Baeticoniscus represents one of the few cases worldwide in which the description of a new taxon has been described in a subterranean archaeological site,' the study said. 'The discovery of a new species in an urban underground environment … can help draw attention to these often overlooked ecosystems, particularly in cities with archaeological sites, canals, and tunnels.' Thousands of new species are found each year. Here are three of our most recent eye-catching stories. Researchers said they named the new species after the town where it was discovered and, so far, the only place where it has been found. Carmona is in southwestern Spain, near Seville, and a roughly 300-mile drive southwest from Madrid. The new species was identified by its eyes, texture, body shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers did not include a DNA analysis of the new species. The research team included Julio Cifuentes, Enrique Peña Pérez and Álvaro Luna. Read Next World Pregnant creature found in 'rotting leaves' on Vietnam peak. It's a new species May 16, 2025 9:58 AM Read Next World 'Toxic'-skinned creature with 'large' hands discovered as new species in Brazil May 15, 2025 11:15 AM
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Large'-eyed creature found lurking in ancient Roman mine. It's a new species
Underneath a town in Spain, a team of researchers shined their flashlights around an ancient Roman mine and waded through the knee-deep water. They picked up some rotting wood crawling with tiny animals. They didn't realize it right away, but they'd just discovered a new species. A group of scientists and members of the Andalusian Association of Underground Exploration ventured into 'the so-called 'San Antón water mine'' underneath Carmona in 2021 and 2022 to study its ecosystem, according to a study published May 15 in the peer-reviewed journal Subterranean Biology. The water mine had several interconnected galleries, or aqueducts, for collecting groundwater and was 'created during the Roman period, approximately (2,000) years ago,' researchers said. 'The system still maintains a permanent stream and was used until recent times to supply water to residents, orchards and hydraulic infrastructure.' While inside the ancient Roman mine, the team noticed small crustaceans on decomposing wood chunks, the study said. Intrigued, they captured a few of these animals and, after taking a closer look, realized they'd discovered a new species: Baeticoniscus carmonaensis, or the Carmona isopod. Isopods are a diverse group of invertebrates that includes pill bugs and woodlice, among others, and are part of the larger category of crustaceans, a category best known for including crabs, lobsters and shrimp. Carmona isopods are about 0.1 inches in length, have segmented bodies with antennae and 'large' black eyes, the study said. Photos show the 'colorless' new species. Carmona isopods were 'found in elevated areas within the gallery system' typically 'on or within pieces of rotten wood, likely fallen from wells connected to the underground galleries,' researchers said. The isopods were seen 'moving and hiding within the crevices of this decomposing material.' 'This new species of Baeticoniscus represents one of the few cases worldwide in which the description of a new taxon has been described in a subterranean archaeological site,' the study said. 'The discovery of a new species in an urban underground environment … can help draw attention to these often overlooked ecosystems, particularly in cities with archaeological sites, canals, and tunnels.' Researchers said they named the new species after the town where it was discovered and, so far, the only place where it has been found. Carmona is in southwestern Spain, near Seville, and a roughly 300-mile drive southwest from Madrid. The new species was identified by its eyes, texture, body shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers did not include a DNA analysis of the new species. The research team included Julio Cifuentes, Enrique Peña Pérez and Álvaro Luna.
