20 for 20: Discovery of New Beetle Species at our Biological Stations

December 21, 2020

“Paddington Beetle” Phytotelmatrichis osopaddington

At Amazon Conservation’s biological stations around Peru, biodiversity extends beyond just mammals and birds. More than 1,000 new species of beetles were believed to be discovered around these areas in a major study conducted a few years ago by lifelong beetle researcher and expert Dr. Caroline Chaboo, along with around with 40 beetle experts from around the world.

The first to be described in that study was discovered at our Villa Carmen Biological Station, located in the Andean foothills. Named Paddington (Phytotelmatrichis osopaddington), in reference to the Spectacled bear from the movie and children’s books, Dr. Chaboo had hoped the new beetle will raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation in Peru. Additionally, she has published a series of scientific papers titled “Beetles of Peru”– an extensive project spanning ten years–which identified more than 10,000 different types of beetles. Read Part 1 of her studies here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285619523_Beetles_Col.

Peru is home to many beetle species

Recently, researchers Michael Caterino and Alexey Tishechkin published a detailed beetle study with 49 new species, including 26 new species from Peru, many coming from Dr. Chaboo’s specimens, titled “Recognition and revision of the Phelister blairi group”. One specimen, Phelister chabooae, is even named after her!

This story is part of a series commemorating our 20th anniversary protecting the Amazon. We’re celebrating this milestone with a look back at 20 significant conservation wins over the past 20 years. Click here to support the protection of these areas that provide spaces for important research like this that helps us learn more about the Amazon.