(Press-News.org) Contact information: Philippe Moretto
naturafrique@gmail.com
Pensoft Publishers
The mysterious scarab beetles: 2 new species of the endangered ancient genus Gyronotus
Famous as the sacred beetles of ancient Egypt the scarab beetle group in fact represents much greater diversity around the globe. Some of the most vulnerable representatives are contained in the flightless genus Gyronotus, which currently includes six known species. A recent study published in the open access journal Zookeys describes two new species with unusual distribution from southern Africa.
The two new species G. perissinottoi and G. schuelei both dwell in grasslands/savannas, while most of the other known species in the genus exhibit a preference for forest habitats. G. perissinottoi occurs in a small but biodiversity unique area in southern KwaZulu-Natal, in the beautiful Umthamvuna Nature Reserve. The second species, G. schuelei originates from western Swaziland and is currently known only from two specimens.
The representatives of the genus Gyronotus as well as several other genera of the tribe Canthonini, are regarded among the most endangered of the African Scarabaeinae because of their sensitivity to disturbance. Apart from G. glabrosus and the two newly described beetles, Gyronotus species are linked to coastal and low-lying forest habitats, which have undergone massive transformation during the past 50 years, through clearance, degradation and fragmentation.
"The genus Gyronotus is part of the tribe Canthonini, which has long been recognised as a relict of the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. Members of the genus are also wingless and particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbance. Thus, they are undoubtedly of substantial biodiversity and conservation value, with status ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered,"comment the authors of the study Dr. Moretto and Dr. Perissinotto.
INFORMATION:
Original Source:
Moretto P, Perissinotto R (2013) Description and ecology of two new species of Gyronotus van Lansberge, 1874 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) from southern Africa. ZooKeys 344: 73. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.344.6101
The mysterious scarab beetles: 2 new species of the endangered ancient genus Gyronotus
2013-10-22
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Climate change increased the number of deaths
2013-10-22
Climate change increased the number of deaths
The increased temperatures caused by ongoing climate change in Stockholm, Sweden between 1980 and 2009 caused 300 more premature deaths than if the temperature increase did not take place. In Sweden as a whole, ...
Copper shock: An atomic-scale stress test
2013-10-22
Copper shock: An atomic-scale stress test
Scientists used the powerful X-ray laser at the U.S. Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to create movies detailing trillionths-of-a-second changes in the arrangement of ...
'A permanent talent underclass': UConn researcher's report charts 'excellence gap' among American students
2013-10-22
'A permanent talent underclass': UConn researcher's report charts 'excellence gap' among American students
STORRS, Conn. – The circle of high-achieving American students is becoming a preserve for the white and well-off, with potentially severe consequences for the ...
NASA sees hint of Typhoon Lekima's rapidly intensification
2013-10-22
NASA sees hint of Typhoon Lekima's rapidly intensification
Tropical Storm Lekima intensified quickly early on Oct. 22 while traveling over the open waters of the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The day before the rapid intensification, NASA's TRMM satellite passed overhead ...
Opioids for chronic pain: Study looks at how patients and their doctors talk about risks
2013-10-22
Opioids for chronic pain: Study looks at how patients and their doctors talk about risks
INDIANAPOLIS -- Although the popular press -- from entertainment news to the crime blotter -- has paid significant attention to the dangers of hydrocodone, oxycodone and other opioids, ...
Low-priced plastic photovoltaics
2013-10-22
Low-priced plastic photovoltaics
Article in 'The Journal of Chemical Physics' describes new approach to making cheaper, more efficient solar panels
WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct. 22, 2013 -- Photovoltaic devices, which tap the power of the sun and convert it to electricity, ...
Hydrogel implant enables light-based communication with cells inside the body
2013-10-22
Hydrogel implant enables light-based communication with cells inside the body
As researchers develop novel therapies based on inducing specific cells to do specific things, getting the right message to the right group of cells at the right time remains ...
Classification system proposed for green roofs
2013-10-22
Classification system proposed for green roofs
Green roofs (or living roofs) are becoming a growing trend in North America – and have been long established in Europe – for their value in conserving energy, improving air quality, managing storm water runoff, beautifying ...
Supernatural experiences trigger religious donations, Baylor study shows
2013-10-22
Supernatural experiences trigger religious donations, Baylor study shows
People who have had what they believe to be supernatural experiences are more likely to be "religious givers," with their behavior based on cost-benefit principles that apply in other transactions ...
GW researcher conducts review of most successful outside interventions in reducing ED use
2013-10-22
GW researcher conducts review of most successful outside interventions in reducing ED use
WASHINGTON (Oct. 22, 2013) – In recent years, many groups, including policy makers and health systems, have looked for ways to reduce the number of visits to the emergency ...