This water beetle not only represents a new species, but also a new genus to science. This species was found living in water seepages on granite mountaintops, and may occur only in southeastern Suriname. The team also found 25 other water beetle species that are new to science. Many of the water beetles found by…
Surinaamse flora en fauna
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This wild cat was spotted before dawn about a mile from camp. While not rare, small wild cats such as this margay (Leopardus wiedii) are extremely shy and difficult to observe directly. Unlike most cats, the margay is adapted to a life in the trees, where it hunts birds, rodents and even monkeys Brian O’Shea/Conservation
The larger fruit-eating bat (Artibeus planirostris) was the most abundant bat during the survey. With their sharp teeth, they are capable of grabbing and eating large fruits. Scientists discovered 28 bat species on the expedition Burton Lim/Conservation International
The delicate slender opossum (Marmosops parvidens) is an arboreal species which eats insects and fruit. This species is indicative of pristine, primary forests, and is one of the 39 species of small mammals (rats, bats, opossums) discovered on the expedition. Many small mammal species are important for dispersing seeds and ensuring forest regeneration Piotr Naskrecki/Conservation…
While most katydids are herbivorous and feed on leaves, this species (Copiphora longicauda) uses its powerful, sharp mandibles to prey upon insects and other invertebrates. It is a member of the aptly named group of conehead katydids Piotr Naskrecki/Conservation International
Scientists on night walk saw this extremely rare event where a large wolf spider was eating a poison-dart frog (Amereega trivitatta) Trond Larsen/Conservation International
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…