Two new species of 'leaping' beetles discovered in New Caledonia
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 12:41
in Biology & Nature
Only five species of these so-called 'flea' beetles, out of a global total of 60, had been found to date in New Caledonia, in the western Pacific. A three-year study has now enabled researchers to discover two new herbivorous beetles -- Arsipoda geographica and Arsipoda rostrata. These new beetles hold a secret -- they feed on plants that the scientists have still not found on the archipelago.