Scientists Discover Two New Ancient Scarab Beetle Species

Gyronotus perissinottoi at the Umthamvuna Nature Reserve, South Africa. Image credit: Lynette Clennell.

Two scientists working in South Africa have reported that they have discovered two new species of scarab beetles in that country which have not been previously catalogued. Scarab beetles, a kind of flightless insect, have been honored by Egyptians since ancient times as sacred objects. Images of scarabs have long been used to decorate funeral objects, jewelry and other artifacts since they symbolize resurrection and hope.
Dr. Renzo Perissinotto and Dr. Phillipe Moretto published their findings in the ZooKeys trade journal’s October 2013 issue.

Although most species of scarabs found in Africa live and thrive in forest regions, the two newest scarab beetle varieties were found along the borders of a nature preserve, living in savanna/grassland vegetation. Although most beetles are active only at night, the newest species were discovered in broad daylight.

Gyronotus schuelei: male, at left, and female. Image credit: Mickaël François.

The discovery is an important one because many varieties of scarab beetles are an endangered species because they respond quickly to any type of ecological disturbance. Many individuals around the world today keep amulets in the shape of scarab beetles as good luck charms. There is a thriving trade today in scarab bracelets and scarab rings, as well as reproductions of the scarab beetle made into office paperweights.

“The genus Gyronotus is part of the tribe Canthonini, which has long been recognized as a relic of the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland,” the researchers wrote in the journal Zookeys.

“Members of the genus are also wingless and particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbance.

“Thus, they are undoubtedly of substantial biodiversity and conservation value, with status ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered,” the study authors wrote.

Author: Jim Champion

On The Web:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/360749