From pygmy squids to giant hummingbirds: Newly discovered animals in 2024

While biodiversity loss threatens our planet’s biological diversity at alarming rates of up to 58,000 animal and plant species per year, there are also positive developments: every year, scientists describe thousands of new species. On average, around 18,000 new life forms are documented—including not only living organisms, but also extinct or fossil species, as well as microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.

The majority of newly discovered species are insects and other invertebrates, which together make up the largest share. Plants also account for a significant portion of new discoveries. By contrast, the number of newly described vertebrates—especially mammals and birds—is much lower. In 2024, researchers were again able to track down fascinating new animal species and make them accessible to science.

Here is a small selection of the animals newly discovered in 2024:

Newly discovered mammals in 2024

Each year, around 18,000 new species are described worldwide, including mammals. The exact number of newly discovered mammal species per year varies, but is in the low double digits. For example, in the Mekong region in 2020 a total of 224 new species were discovered, including just one mammal. The low share of newly discovered mammals reflects the comparatively low species diversity of this group: mammals make up only a fraction of the estimated 8.7 million species on Earth.

One of the smallest deer species

Scientists made a spectacular discovery in the cloud forests of the Peruvian Andes—they tracked down a previously unknown deer species. The new species, Pudella carlae, is the first living deer species to be described in the 21st century. With a shoulder height of only 38 centimeters and a weight of seven to nine kilograms, it is among the smallest members of the deer family.

The new deer species looks similar to the closely related northern pudu (Pudella mephistophila), which is why scientists initially assumed the two belonged to the same species—however, the northern pudu is even smaller. Only a genetic and morphological study published in 2024 was able to show the differences between the northern pudu known to science and the new species P. carlae. The newly discovered small deer species, about whose way of life little is known, is likely already threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction.

A new rodent from Argentina

A rodent was also newly discovered in 2024: Ctenomys uco, a tuco-tuco from Argentina that occurs both in mountainous grass and shrubland at around 2,710 meters above sea level and in the lowlands. A total length (head and tail) of up to 30 centimeters and a weight of around 110 grams make this previously unknown tuco-tuco species a compact, lightweight rodent. With its short legs, large front paws, and long claws, it is well adapted to an underground, burrowing lifestyle. C. uco differs from closely related species, such as Foch’s tuco-tuco (C. fochi) and the Mendoza tuco-tuco (C. mendocinus), in specific skull characteristics.

The species was named after the type locality, Valle de Uco, a region known for its good wine. But the area is also heavily affected by accelerated processes linked to the wine industry. Although the conservation status of C. uco was not explicitly assessed in the original description, habitat alteration due to viticulture could potentially pose a threat.

More bat species discovered

At least five new bat species from Africa, South America, and Papua New Guinea were described in 2024. One of them is Molossus paranaensis, discovered in four provinces in eastern Argentina. In addition to natural environments such as pampas grasslands, dry shrubland, and wetlands, it also inhabits human-made environments such as buildings in towns and cities and agricultural fields. Its name refers to its wide distribution in the Paraná basin, one of the largest river systems in South America.

At 9 to 11.5 centimeters in body length, M. paranaensis is a medium-sized bat. There is sexual dimorphism, with males being larger than females. This species is notable for its adaptation to different habitats and for the combination of morphological and genetic traits that set it apart from other Molossus species.

Killer whales that prey on sperm whales

In spring, a research team drew widespread attention with the publication of a study about a newly discovered orca population. This previously unknown group of killer whales was found off the west coast of North America. The orcas live in the open ocean off California and Oregon and show an unusually broad diet. In addition to typical prey such as dolphins and leatherback sea turtles, they even hunt sperm whales—a behavior that has not previously been observed in any other killer whale group.

So far, 49 individuals of this population have been identified, but they cannot be assigned to any of the known ecotypes. The scientists suspect that these orcas either form a distinct subgroup of the marine-mammal-eating killer whales or represent a previously unknown population that, in the open ocean, hunts mainly marine mammals and turtles. A formal taxonomic description of these remarkable animals is still pending.

And in 2024, one killer whale effectively became three: Traditionally, killer whales (Orcinus orca) were considered a single, globally distributed species with different ecotypes. But a study published in March 2024 proposed recognizing certain populations—especially Bigg’s orcas and resident orcas—as distinct species. In July 2024, however, the committee of the Society for Marine Mammalogy decided on a different solution and divided killer whales into three subspecies: the common killer whale (O. o. orca), the resident killer whale (O. o. ater), and Bigg’s killer whale (O. o. rectipinnus). With the sperm-whale-eating population newly discovered in 2024, another subspecies—or even species—could be added in the future.

Newly discovered birds in 2024

Compared to other animal groups, only a few new bird species are discovered. That is because the bird world, with around 11,000 known species, has already been well studied. In addition, birds are easier to detect than insects or invertebrates, for example, because of their size, conspicuous songs, and often visible behavior—groups that are far more species-rich but harder to survey.

Another giant hummingbird

The northern giant hummingbird, newly described as Patagona chaski, was discovered in the South American Andes and is a cryptic species of the southern giant hummingbird (P. gigas). The northern species differs genetically and in its ecology from P. gigas, although both look very similar. The discovery is based on a combination of genetic analyses, behavioral studies, and investigations of elevational distribution.

The Northern Giant Hummingbird shows specific adaptations to life at higher elevations in the Andes, which suggests an independent evolutionary trajectory. The species name “chaski” is derived from the Inca messengers, known for their endurance and agility in the high Andes—a reference to the hummingbird’s ability to survive in extreme environments.

Giant hummingbirds can grow up to 22 centimeters long and reach a weight of 24 grams. By contrast, the smallest hummingbird species, the bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), is only five to six centimeters long and weighs just 1.6 to 2 grams.

A nightjar from the Lesser Sunda Islands

The recently described Timor nightjar (Caprimulgus ritae) was discovered on the Indonesian islands of Timor and Wetar and differs from its relatives both vocally and morphologically. Previously, it was confused with other birds in the genus Caprimulgus, but it differs from them in at least 13 vocal traits. The Timor nightjar is a specialist of tropical forests and lives from sea level to at least 1,500 meters, though it mostly occurs in regions from around 1,000 meters upward. While lowland and montane forests on Timor are threatened, Wetar remains one of Indonesia’s least developed islands, with more than 95 percent natural vegetation dominated by eucalyptus forests.

The Timor nightjar is about 30 centimeters long. It has chestnut ear coverts, coarsely streaked crown feathers, and plumage in sepia, cinnamon, and rosy-brown tones. Its territorial song is shorter and deeper than that of other nightjars, with a characteristic pattern of short, repeated notes that is unique to this species.

A new antshrike species

The Northern Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (Sakesphoroides niedeguidonae) is a newly described bird species endemic to the dry Caatinga regions of northeastern Brazil. It was identified in 2024 after genetic, morphological, and vocal analyses revealed clear differences from other antshrikes. The newly discovered species is outwardly similar to the Silvery-cheeked Antshrike (Sakesphoroides cristatus); especially the males of both species are difficult to tell apart. The females, however, differ markedly, and a study has now concluded that the two known populations actually represent two species.

Although specific threats to the Northern Silvery-cheeked Antshrike have not yet been comprehensively documented, it is known that the Caatinga region is threatened by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and climate change. These factors could potentially affect the bird species’ habitat and survival.

Newly discovered fish in 2024

Many new fish species are discovered every year; in 2022, for example, there were 200 new freshwater fish species. This is because fish, with more than 35,000 known species, are an especially diverse group, and many of their habitats—especially in the deep sea or remote freshwater waters—are still poorly studied. Compared to birds, fish are much harder to observe because they live underwater and many species are very small or occur in hard-to-access regions.

Life in the dark

The cavefish Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai , a cyprinid, was discovered in a cave in the Nanpan River basin in Guizhou province in southwest China. Cavefish are known for their specialized adaptations to life in complete darkness. Unlike many other species in this group, however, S. xiejiahuai has relatively large eyes. These comparatively well-developed eyes may indicate that some visual function is still partially retained, which makes the species appear to be an evolutionary intermediate. Typical for cavefish, on the other hand, is the completely scaleless and presumably pigmentless body of S. xiejiahuai.

The newly discovered species S. xiejiahuai is so far known only from its type locality near the city of Panzhou. Rapid urbanization in this region threatens its habitat. Despite five years of field research, no additional specimen was found, suggesting an extremely small population. Threats include declining water levels in caves, pesticide use, pollution from waste, and conversion of its habitat into building land. Because cavefish are often restricted to a single cave, this makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. Since 2021, the species has been under China’s national second-class protection, making capture and trade strictly prohibited.

A golden fish, but not a goldfish

The small cyprinid Enteromius niggie, also known as the southern sidespot barb, was discovered in the Steelpoort River, a tributary of the Limpopo river system in South Africa, as well as in Eswatini. It belongs to the “Goldie Barbs” group. For decades, the species E. neefi was thought to be distributed in South Africa and in the distant Congo Basin—an unusual assumption, since the two river systems are almost 1,000 kilometers apart. This discrepancy raised doubts among researchers. A detailed study of 15 supposed E. neefi specimens from South Africa ultimately showed that they represent a previously undescribed species: Enteromius niggie.

During the breeding season, the males of E. niggie shine in a bright golden tone, while outside that period they show a pale yellowish-silvery coloration with olive-green accents. With a body length of only 3.3 to 4.4 centimeters, the species is among the smaller cyprinids. It is characterized by a compact body, large eyes, and strong coloration. E. niggie lives in clear, fast-flowing rivers with gravelly or rocky substrate, but its habitats are threatened by pollution, water abstraction, and human interventions. The name “niggie” is Afrikaans for “female cousin” and is intended to honor the connection to E. neefi, whose name means “male cousin”.

Neither eel nor worm

In the rainforest of Costa Rica, scientists made an extraordinary discovery: the swamp eel Ophisternon berlini, or Berlin’s bloodworm eel. This slender, pinkish animal lives about 60 centimeters underground in muddy areas of the Las Brisas Nature Reserve. The species was first found by chance in 2021 during excavation, when two unknown specimens came to light. In 2022 and 2023, the researchers returned, excavated mud layers deliberately, and eventually found five more animals. Their unique morphology and genetic analyses confirmed that this is a previously unknown species.

O. berlini is quite small at just under ten centimeters long. Its long, worm-like body lacks fins, while its small, skin-covered eyes and the absence of pigments are typical adaptations to life underground. The striking pink coloration comes from its visibly translucent muscles. Despite their worm-like appearance, swamp eels such as O. berlini belong to the fish group and are characterized by their ability to survive in moist, muddy habitats.

Despite the name and superficial resemblance, swamp eels are not true eels either, but an independent group within fishes. They use their gills to extract oxygen from muddy water and navigate skillfully through narrow cracks and layers underground—a lifestyle that makes them one of the rare groups of bottom-dwelling fish.

Newly discovered reptiles in 2024

Reptiles, especially snakes and lizards, also see 100 to 200 new species discovered each year. In regions such as Asia or South America, scientists repeatedly come across unknown species, because many tropical and subtropical areas have so far been insufficiently explored. The high discovery rate is also linked to the great species diversity of reptiles, which includes more than 11,000 known species. Newly discovered animals often live in isolated habitats such as dense rainforests, mountain ranges, or hard-to-access caves.

A gecko like a starry night

In the southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India, researchers discovered a new gecko species whose coloration is reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting The Starry Night. In honor of the Dutch painter, the species was given the name Cnemaspis vangoghi or Van Gogh’s starry dwarf gecko.

The newly discovered geckos live exclusively at two nearby sites within the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. This micro-endemic range comprises low-elevation, seasonally dry tropical forests at elevations of 250 to 400 meters. The geckos are active during the day and are found mainly on rocks and tree trunks at low heights.

Despite its limited distribution, the species appears to be relatively common in its habitat: researchers observed up to 25 individuals per hour. With a maximum snout–vent length of 3.6 centimeters, C. vangoghi is a true dwarf gecko. The scientists behind the original description, who also identified the previously unknown species Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, currently see no immediate threats to C. vangoghi. However, the limited distribution makes the species potentially vulnerable to environmental change. Protecting such micro-endemic species is crucial to preserve biodiversity and the ecological balance of their unique habitats in the long term.

An emerald-green snake from Bolivia

Despite its bright emerald-green coloration, striking yellow snout, and large black eyes, this snake went unnoticed until now. Scientists only recently discovered the animal in Bolivia’s species-rich Yungas region and gave it the name Chironius whipala or Whipala sipo snake. It lives in the humid montane forests of Carrasco National Park as well as in Santa Cruz. Its habitat lies at elevations between 1,270 and 2,000 meters above sea level.

The newly discovered animals were mostly seen at night on plants and trees, often up to six meters above the ground. In some specimens, scientists found traces of frogs in the stomach. Because of its limited range, C. whipala is vulnerable to changes in its habitat, although the original description notes that no acute threats are known. Protecting the Bolivian Yungas is nonetheless important to preserve this and other endemic species.

A lizard that looks like an earthworm

The newly discovered lizard Amphisbaena amethysta from the Serra do Espinhaço in Brazil is an example of the hidden biodiversity of subterranean habitats. The legless reptile, about 26 centimeters long, is perfectly adapted to life in the soil. Its slender, cylindrical body with a pink coloration and a brown-scaled tail allows it to burrow effortlessly through the ground. The eyes are reduced and barely functional—a typical adaptation to the darkness of its habitat.

The lifestyle of A. amethysta is strictly subterranean. It lives in a small region of the Serra do Espinhaço at around 1,000 meters above sea level, within a known range of only 38 kilometers. This remote environment protects it from many threats, but at the same time makes it vulnerable to habitat loss from human activities such as mining and agriculture.

Newly discovered amphibians in 2024

Of the roughly 8,600 known amphibian species worldwide, most newly discovered species are frogs and toads. In 2020 alone, 159 new amphibians were described, and in 2024 many more discoveries further expanded our knowledge of this animal group. In particular, tropical rainforests in Central and South America as well as Asia prove to be hotspots for previously unknown species. The high number of new discoveries highlights how incomplete our understanding of these often threatened animals still is. Many amphibian species are endemic and highly specialized, making them particularly sensitive to environmental change.

One of the smallest vertebrates in the world

The newly discovered frog species Brachycephalus dacnis, a saddleback toad, was found in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and is among the smallest vertebrates in the world. With a body size of less than seven millimeters, the tiny frog easily fits on a fingertip. The species is known for its chirping call, which sounds more like a cricket than a frog and drew researchers’ attention. Genetic analyses ultimately confirmed that it is a previously unknown species.

The mini-frog lives in the dense leaf litter on the rainforest floor, where it finds protection from larger predators and access to abundant food. Because of its small size, however, it lacks parts of the inner ear, which makes balance difficult and causes it to often land uncontrollably on its back when jumping. Its hands and feet are also adapted to miniaturization and have only two fingers and three toes, respectively. Because of its size, the species is particularly vulnerable to environmental change and lives in a severely threatened habitat. The Atlantic Forest is massively threatened by deforestation and habitat loss, which also puts pressure on B. dacnis.

A new crocodile newt

The newly discovered crocodile newt species Tylototriton soimalai comes from the montane forests of northern Thailand and expands the already species-rich genus of crocodile newts, known for their striking skin texture and often vivid colors. Just last year, the Ngoc Linh crocodile newt was newly discovered in Vietnam.

T. soimalai inhabits moist montane forests at elevations of about 1,000 to 1,500 meters and uses temporary water bodies as well as forest floors as habitat. The population is very small and highly threatened, among other things by deforestation, agricultural activities, and road traffic, which causes severe disturbance especially during the breeding season. The only known spawning site of the new species lies directly next to a road, further worsening its situation. The researchers behind the original description therefore urgently recommend protective measures and classifying the species as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.

A rare stubfoot toad from Ecuador

Most stubfoot or harlequin toads are threatened with extinction; some, like the Chiriquí harlequin frog, are already considered extinct. In 2024, a new harlequin toad species was discovered: Atelopus colomai, from Ecuador’s Amazon region. The species inhabits tropical rainforests along small rivers and streams at elevations of 400 to 1,200 meters. The moist microhabitats are essential for its reproduction and survival.

A. colomai shows a yellowish to greenish base coloration with dark spots. The high-contrast colors likely serve both camouflage and as a warning signal to predators. Because of its highly restricted habitat, the species is considered endangered. It occurs only in six fragmented areas that are affected by deforestation, agriculture, road construction, and pollution. Historically, its range was 7,470 square kilometers, but today it covers only 172 square kilometers, of which only 24 square kilometers are actually occupied by the species. At the type locality, the forest is almost completely cleared, and in other regions habitat quality continues to deteriorate. In addition, the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and climate change threaten the frog’s future. To secure the population, A. colomai is currently being successfully bred in an assurance colony.

Newly discovered insects in 2024

Among newly discovered insects—of which at least one million species exist worldwide—beetles, butterflies, and ants often dominate. Especially in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, researchers regularly come across species previously unknown to science. While most mammal and bird species have long been described, insect-rich habitats such as tropical forests still hold enormous potential for new species discoveries, because these areas are often difficult to access or have been studied less intensively. The large number of new discoveries underscores that many species remain undiscovered even in well-studied regions.

Six new cave cricket species

In China, 27 species of the cave cricket genus Rhaphidophora are currently known, including six species newly described in 2024. These nocturnal, wingless, non-migratory crickets are hard to catch because they are small, fast, and good climbers. They have a humpbacked body and very long hind legs and antennae.

The six new species (Rhaphidophora stenoterminata, R. hexagoniproctalis, R. heterodentis, R. imbricofurca, R. impressa and R. glenoides) were discovered in various provinces of China, including Guangdong, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hubei. Most records come from humid forest areas at elevations between 900 and 1,500 meters. Yunnan in particular, with eleven documented species, is considered a biodiversity hotspot for this genus.

As important decomposers in their ecosystems, cave crickets feed mainly on decaying organic material such as plant remains and fungi. However, their populations are small, and populations are heavily threatened by habitat loss such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and other human disturbances. Many species were described from only a few individuals, pointing to limited data on population size and an urgent need for research.

A parasitic, brood-parasitic bee

The newly discovered species Tetralonioidella mimetica is a parasitic bee from China that mimics both bumblebees in the genus Bombus and its host bees in the genus Habropoda. This three-level mimicry is unique among bees: the bumblebee, the original, is well-defended and can sting, so predators avoid it. The host bee mimics the bumblebee so it won’t be eaten (protection through mimicry). The parasitic bee, T. mimetica, resembles the host bee, allowing it to enter the host’s nest unnoticed and lay its own eggs there.

The parasitic bee T. mimetica lays its eggs in the host bee’s nest to save energy and provision its offspring without its own effort. The larvae feed on the host bee’s food stores. This allows T. mimetica to avoid building its own nest and collecting pollen or nectar for the larvae. The species lives in habitats inhabited by its host and relies on the hosts’ nests to lay its eggs. It shows a striking color pattern that makes it resemble bumblebees and the host bees.

A mix of praying mantis and fly

Euclimacia radioquaesentis comes from the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve in Vietnam. Mantidflies, to which this species belongs, are predatory lacewings found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their elongated forelegs, which are shaped like the raptorial arms of praying mantises and are used primarily for catching prey, usually flies. This species stands out for its unusual coloration: the forewing has a yellow spot, while the hindwing is brown in the same place. Another notable aspect of the discovery is that it was described based on several specimens—rare in this genus. This makes it possible to gain insights into sex-specific differences, such as the more delicate and less pronounced coloration of the pronotum in females.

The naming took place as part of a citizen-science event in which radio listeners could submit suggestions to draw attention to the many species that remain undescribed. The chosen name “radioquaesentis” combines “radio” with the Latin “quaesentis” (sought) and was selected to match the campaign slogan “im Radio gesucht” (“sought on the radio”).

Another exciting discovery of 2024 is Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) augustanae, a new weevil species from the Philippine island of Negros. The 6.6-millimeter-long beetle was found at an elevation of 1,400 meters and is characterized by its matte-black exterior as well as yellowish, bristle-like projections—without the typical metallic sheen of related weevils. So far, only a single female is known, highlighting the species’ rarity and suggesting possible adaptations to changing environmental conditions.

Newly discovered spiders in 2024

In 2022, the 50,000th spider species was scientifically described, and in 2023 alone 99 new species of giant crab spiders were added from countries such as China, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. These figures illustrate the impressive diversity of this group. Experts estimate that around 50,000 spider species worldwide remain undiscovered. In 2024, too, many new species were discovered, especially in hard-to-access or poorly studied habitats such as caves, forest canopies, and deserts.

A hairy giant from Cuba

The tarantula species Trichopelma grande discovered in 2024 from Viñales National Park in western Cuba is the largest known representative of its genus. Its body measures about 2.5 centimeters, and its leg span reaches up to 4.7 centimeters. The species was found at four sites characterized by the region’s typical limestone formations and at most 15.5 kilometers apart. It prefers ground-level habitats such as moist, semi-deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and dry microhabitats on barren limestone soil.

Notable are its heavily hairy legs with long bristles—a feature usually found in tree-dwelling spiders. T. grande, however, lives on the ground, where it builds trapdoor burrows. Because of its limited range and its rare records in natural history collections, scientists suspect that this species is rare and may require special protection.

A spider that eats ants

The newly discovered spider species Falconina cafetera was found in shady coffee-growing areas and a cacao garden in Chiapas, Mexico. Its name derives from the Spanish term for coffee plantation, “finca cafetalera”, the place of its discovery. This species is the first of its genus to be recorded in Mexico and extends the known range of the genus Falconina to North America.

The spider’s relationship with ants is interesting. Although it is not a typical ant mimic, F. cafetera has been observed living near ant nests and occasionally feeding on ants. It also accepts other prey, making it a flexible hunter. Its ability to catch and eat ants sets it apart from many other spider species that usually avoid these well-defended insects. At the same time, it shows no adaptations for living permanently inside ant colonies, as is the case with myrmecophilous spiders. Instead, it exploits opportunities to use ants as a food source. Its exact relationships with ants require further study.

Two new cave spiders discovered in the Alps

In the Italian Alps, two previously unknown cave spider species were described: Typhlonesticus angelicus and Typhlonesticus santinellii. T. angelicus was discovered in Grotta dell’Angelo, T. santinellii in Grotta di Bossea, both in the province of Cuneo. The spiders inhabit exclusively subterranean habitats such as caves and are perfectly adapted to these extreme conditions. Typical features include reduced eyes and pigmentless bodies, characteristic of life in complete darkness and stable environmental conditions.

Because of their highly specialized lifestyle and very limited range, both species are considered potentially threatened. The authors of the study emphasize the importance of conservation measures to ensure the survival of these rare cave specialists.

More newly discovered invertebrates in 2024

Currently, about 1.3 to 1.5 million invertebrate species have been described worldwide. They make up most of the known species on Earth, with insects being the largest group at around one million described species. In addition to insects, invertebrates include spiders, crustaceans, mollusks (such as snails and mussels), worms, corals, jellyfish, and many other groups. In 2023, more than 1,500 new invertebrates were described worldwide, and there were many new discoveries in 2024 as well. Such discoveries often occur in hard-to-access habitats such as the deep sea, remote cave systems, or dense tropical forests. Scientists estimate that millions of invertebrate species remain undiscovered.

Japanese mini squids

The two newly described pygmy squids Kodama jujutsu and Idiosepius kijimuna were discovered in Japan’s Ryūkyū archipelago. K. jujutsu was found mainly in coral reefs and occasionally in seagrass meadows, where the species actively hunts small shrimp after sunset. It shows a remarkable adaptation by attaching itself to colony-forming cnidarians and not being deterred by their stinging cells. The name K. jujutsu refers to the similarity of its hunting methods to grappling in the martial art of Jūjutsu.

I. kijimuna was discovered mainly in shallow seagrass meadows in Okinawa, especially in the winter months; its summer habitats are still unknown. The species is named after the Kijimunā, elf-like beings from Okinawan mythology that live in banyan trees and feed exclusively on seafood. Both species are extremely small; K. jujutsu reaches a body length of about 1.2 centimeters. Their small size and specific habitats could make both newly discovered species vulnerable to environmental changes.

A new porcelain crab from the Caribbean Sea

The porcelain crab Petrolisthes coeruleus was first discovered in the Caribbean off Panama and Colombia and later also recorded in Belize and on Mexico’s east coast. Initially, scientists thought it was a color variant of the Caribbean porcelain crab (P. caribensis), but genetic analyses and morphological differences confirmed that it is a distinct species. P. coeruleus is characterized by larger body size, more compact claws, and clearly pronounced structures on the outer surfaces of the claws that distinguish it from related species.

The new species inhabits a wide range of habitats, including the bases of dead corals, substrates under rocks, mangrove roots, and grooves in sponges. Its depth range extends from the intertidal zone at 0.5 meters down to 29 meters on coral reefs, indicating remarkable ecological adaptability. Particularly striking is the coloration of P. coeruleus, which varies from brown-beige with iridescent blue tones to entirely blue with violet lines. The name coeruleus is derived from the characteristic blue iridescence of the carapace and limbs, an important distinguishing feature of the species.

Two new giant pill millipedes discovered in Thailand’s forests

The giant pill millipede species Zephronia chantaburiensis and Zephronia macula, described in 2024, come from Thailand’s eastern provinces and were discovered during intensive field studies between 2019 and 2023. Z. chantaburiensis was recorded only at one site in Chantaburi province, whereas Z. macula has a larger range and occurs in various granite and limestone habitats in the region. Both species are endemic and share similar habitats, including leaf litter and rotting wood in evergreen forests.

Giant pill millipedes are millipedes (diplopods) characterized by their ability to roll into an almost perfect ball when threatened. They are ground-dwellers that hide during the day under leaves or dead wood and feed on organic material such as leaf litter and detritus. The newly discovered animals reach a body length of 1.8 to 2.3 centimeters, with a ball diameter of about one centimeter when rolled up. Because of their limited distribution and dependence on intact forest habitats, both species are potentially threatened by habitat loss resulting from deforestation and agricultural use.