BY JEREMY HANCE
OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, at least 24 new beetle species have been discovered in a remote mountainous rainforest region of Papua New Guinea by Swedish entomologist Ulf Nylander.
Described in the new book Biodiversity, Biogeography and Nature Conservation in Wallacea and New Guinea, the new beetles found in the Aseki region are all ecologically linked to rotting wood.
The new beetle species belong to two different families with 15 new jewel beetles, and nine new longicorn beetles. Although new to science, the beetles are already gravely imperilled.
"Logging and palm oil plantations are expanding in Aseki," Nylander told mongabay.com. "The unique nature of this montane area is now in danger.
In his research, Nylander has found that the Aseki region is a notable hotspot for unique wood-devouring beetles, including over 50 species of weevils, scarab beetles, and stag beetles found no-where else in the world.
Entomologist Dr Dmitry Telnov, who also works in the region, says this part of the world is known for more than beetles.
"PNG’s Oro Province, not far from Aseki, is home to the world's largest butterfly, the majestic Queen Alexandra birdwing, which is a real beauty and is larger than many little birds.
“Queen Alexandra is the national insect of Papua New Guinea (it is found, for example, on coins) and is also locally protected. But the plants they depend on for food, Aristolochia schlecteri, is not protected at all," Telnov says.
Source: mongabay.com, 23 November
Read more: http://news.mongabay.com/2011/1123-hance_png_beetles.html#ixzz1eatR9dua
I have just received a click beetle collected in Aseki district back in 1997. I cannot read the village on the label. It could be Yamian or Mamaia. Can you help me find the name of the village.
Posted by: Wayne Seifert | 12 February 2012 at 05:59 AM
That's not the only thing you find 'beetling' along the Aseki tracks.
When confronted with an extremely lively snake (black with green highlights) I stopped in my tracks but the rest of the patrol kept coming and pushing me onto the snake until they saw it too.
We all then propped backwards until we overbalanced and everyone fell over each other.
The snake, then looking at this strange animal and a mass of waving legs and arms, thought better of it and slithered away.
We all got up covered in mud and had a good laugh.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 28 November 2011 at 09:44 AM