What is it about?
Three new species of spider riffle beetles were discovered from the island of Mindanao, Philippines. Although these freshwater beetles have been known for their vivid coloration patterns, the discovery highlights the existence of diversity not quite visible at first glance.
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Why is it important?
We derive countless benefits from our rivers and streams. However, freshwater ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to human activity and rapid changes in the environment. This problem is compounded in unpopular and understudied animal groups such as insects. In order to monitor biodiversity changes and implement effective conservation measures, it is necessary to first get to know the organisms that exist in these habitats.
Perspectives
These tiny yet fascinating creatures exist with most of us never realizing that they are there in the first place. It is unfortunate that the continued threats to our rivers, lakes, and streams may soon cause them to disappear before we even get to discover them. Although their survival may seem detached to our own, changes in the biodiversity around us actually spell the future of resource availability and environmental stability.
Christalle Beatriz Seno
Ateneo de Manila University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Three new species of Ancyronyx Erichson, 1847 (Coleoptera, Elmidae) from Mindanao, Philippines, Tijdschrift voor Entomologie, November 2022, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/22119434-bja10023.
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