PhD Student Discovers Striking and Furry Beetle in Australian National ParkNewly Discovered Beetle Uses Fungus Hair Defense Against Predators. Credit: newatlas.com

Would you consider consuming this beetle?
Most likely not, as it seems to be coated in fungus. However, that "fungus" is actually hair, which the newly discovered insect may use as a defense mechanism against potential predators.

James Tweed, a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland's School of the Environment, came across a single specimen of the beetle while camping in Australia's Lamington National Park. As he was strolling through the campsite one morning, he noticed what he initially thought to be bird droppings on a mat rush leaf. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the fuzzy blob was actually a unique insect.

"To my surprise, I saw the most remarkable and fluffiest longhorn beetle I had ever seen," he recalls. "Measuring 9.7 millimeters, it was a striking red and black creature covered in long white hairs."

Upon returning from his trip, James scoured through journals, books, and the internet in an attempt to identify the beetle, but to no avail. It wasn't until he contacted entomology experts at the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) that he learned the beetle was a completely new species.

But the surprises didn't end there. When Tweed visited the ANIC and compared his beetle to others in the collection, the specialists determined that it belonged to a whole new genus, a broader classification than species. It is now known as Excastra albopilosa.

The purpose of the hairs on the beetle is still unknown, although the scientists believe that the fuzzy covering may deceive predators into thinking the beetle has already been killed by an insect-killing fungus, making it an unappealing meal. However, more specimens will need to be collected in order to confirm this theory. So far, none have been found.

"The area near Lamington National Park has been a popular spot for entomologists for over a century, so it's puzzling that this beetle hasn't been discovered until now," says Tweed. "I've gone back several times to search for more, but with no success."

The research was recently published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy.

Source: newatlas.com
David Lamy
David Lamy Author
David Lamy owns the Bachelor in Atmospheric Science Degree. He is associated with Industry News USA from last 2 years. With proficiency in his work, David obtained a strong position at Industry News USA and heads the Science section. “Weather forecasting” is the field of his interest. He bags total 5 years of experience in this field. Apart from his routine work, David loves to explore his cooking skills. He has participated in various cookery shows.