Natuur

Many planthopper species exude waxy secretions from the abdomen, and these sometimes form long strands, such as can be seen here. The long waxy strands may provide protection from predators – fooling them into attacking the wrong part of the insect. The wax breaks off while the insect jumps to safety. The juvenile planthopper in…

Ants are important scavengers, and can be seen here (Camponotus sp.) eating a dead insect. This represents just one of the 149 ant species observed on the expedition, with many more still to be found Trond Larsen/Conservation International

Coprophanaeus lancifer is the largest of all South American dung beetles. Despite its name, this species feeds more frequently on carrion (dead animals) than on dung. A highly unusual case in the animal kingdom, both males and females of this species possess a long horn on their head, which they use during intense battles with…

The purpleheart tree (Peltogyne venosa) forms massive buttress roots which provide support, especially during extreme storms and flooding events. Purpleheart trees contain the most dense, heartwood of any tree species in the world, and its presence indicates an absence of logging in the area. Trond Larsen, director of the Rapid Assessment Programme, stands in the…

A tree frog (Hypsiboas geographicus) clings to a branch in the lowland forest near Kasikasima. It represents one of the astounding 46 frog species found during the expedition, including six new frog species Trond Larsen/Conservation International

The bright colours of the false coral snake (Erythrolamprus aesculpi) lend it protection from predators, even though it lacks the deadly venom of the true coral snake. This is one of the 19 snake species encountered on the expedition, which included a true coral snake, a deadly fer-de-lance viper, and a species (Pseudoboa sp.) potentially…

This orchid (Phragmipedium lindleyanum) is one of several rare and beautiful orchid species found in Grensgebergte Mountains. Many rare species occur on these distinctive granite outcroppings in Suriname. Species such as this that occur on mountaintops are highly vulnerable to climate change, since they are unable to migrate upslope in response to warming temperatures Conservation…

Snouted tree frog (Scinax sp.) one of six new species of frogs scientists found during the expedition. This species represents the newest member of a diverse genus of very agile, fast-moving frogs with over 100 species. One individual leapt right onto the table during dinner at camp, and still nimbly eluded the numerous scientists Stuart…

The unusual dorsal coloration of this poison dart frog (Anomaloglossus sp.) differs from a similar species (Anomaloglossus baeobatrachus) found at the same sites. Poison dart frogs are famous for the powerful toxins they secrete – this poison is used by local people to hunt for food, but it also holds enormous potential to yield new…

This undescribed katydid species (Pseudophyllinae: Teleutini) is so strange that it actually represents an entirely new genus to science. Its unusually long, gangly legs are covered in sharp spines which help to deter predators. Many katydids are sensitive to habitat disturbance, and the species found on this expedition indicate the region is pristine Piotr Naskrecki/Conservation…