Leaf beetle is found only in the Guyana Shield. There are over 35,000 leaf beetle species in the world, and many feed only on a particular type of host plant. The beetles store toxic chemicals from the plants they eat in their bodies, and advertise this toxicity with bright colours to warn off predators.Trond Larsen
Leaf beetle is found only in the Guyana Shield. There are over 35,000 leaf beetle species in the world, and many feed only on a particular type of host plant. The beetles store toxic chemicals from the plants they eat in their bodies, and advertise this toxicity with bright colours to warn off predators.Trond LarsenThis beautiful green crested katydid (Steirodon sp.) is an obligate herbivore, eating only plants. Its spiny body helps defend it from birds and other animals that want to eat it. Katydids sing at night to attract mates.Trond LarsenGreat Horned Beetle is the largest dung beetle species in the Neotropics. While weaponry in most animal species is restricted to males, females of this species possess a long head horn which they use to battle with other females over carrion (animal carcasses). Males also use a long horn to fight over females. With an enormous thorax filled almost entirely with muscle, C. lancifer is incredibly strong. Where the species is common, it may bury an animal carcass as large as a pig in only a few days.Trond LarsenKatydid are recognized by scientists as indicators of habitat disturbance for an ecosystem. They tend to stay within small specific habitats and do not disperse widely. They are highly sensitive to changes in their habitatTrond LarsenThree-striped poison dart frog (Ameerega trivitatta) carrying tadpoles on the back. Adults of many poison dart species transport their young from one body of water to another as the tadpoles feed and develop.Trond LarsenTortoise beetles (Cyrtonota lateralis), named after the broad dorsal surface that covers and protects them like a tortoise shell.Trond LarsenConehead katydid (Loboscelis bacatus), previously known only from Amazonian Peru, but seen by scientists in southern Suriname, significantly extending its known range. Katydids are recognized by scientists as indicators of habitat disturbance for an ecosystem. They tend to stay within small specific habitats and do not disperse widely. They are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat.Trond LarsenMonkey frog (Phyllomedusa tomopterna) is a species of tree frog that is indicative of healthy, pristine rain forest.Trond LarsenPacman frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) is a voracious sit-and-wait predator. It has an exceptionally wide mouth, which allows it to swallow prey that is nearly as large as its own body, including mice and other frogs.Trond LarsenTiny dung beetle (Trichillum pauliani) is only a few millimeters long and is covered with bristles. Dung beetles are important for maintaining healthy ecosystems - by burying animal waste, they remove parasites and disperse seeds and recycle nutrients into the soil to benefit plants.Trond LarsenOrb weaving spider (Micrathena cyanospina) are very large and are adorned with an incredibly long pair of metallic blue spines. Males, in contrast, are tiny.Trond LarsenA moth caterpillar (cf. Eudesmia sp.) is covered with dew drops. These caterpillars graze on algae on logs and tree trunks.Trond LarsenTurnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) licks its eyeball. The large eyes have vertical elliptical pupils and no eyelids.Trond LarsenGiant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is a gentle animal, feeding primarily on termites and ants, which it digs out from underground nests using its huge claws. Giant armadillos are rarely seen due to their nocturnal habits, but their huge burrows are a common sight in the forests of Kwamalasamutu.Trond LarsenThe ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a medium sized cat, usually weighing up to 40 pounds. They are fiercely territorial and hunt small animals, especially rodents. By regulating populations of rodents and other prey, these predators are important for maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.Trond LarsenThe collared peccary (Pecari tajacu)- is the smaller of the two species of peccaries in the Kwamalasamutu region, and is one of the preferred food animals for the Trio people. Peccaries belong to a different family than pigs, which are native to Afro-Eurasia.Trond Larsen
Researchers from the Conservation International have discovered 46 new species in Suriname in South America.
The researchers discovered 46 new species and documented nearly 1,300 species during their scientific expedition. They had explored three remote sites along the Kutari and the Sipaliwini rivers near the village of Kwamalasumutu for three weeks.
Cowboy frog, armored catfish andpacman frog were among the 46 species discovered by the researchers during their expedition.
The Cowboy frog has white fringes along its legs and a spur on each heel. It was discovered during a night survey in a swampy area of the Koetari river.
The Armored catfish's armor is covered with spines to defend itself from giant piranhas which inhabit the same waters.
The pacman frog has a wide mouth that allows it to swallow prey that is nearly as large as its own body, including birds, mice and other frogs.
"The Kwamalasamutu area's pristine nature and cultural heritage make it a unique destination for more adventurous tourists, who enjoy trekking through the dense rainforest to discover flora and fauna. CI-Suriname and the Trio are hoping to further develop a niche market ecotourism site here, while the recommendations from the RAP will help the community to manage and maintain the 18,000 ha sanctuary they created around the region's incredible Werehpai petroglyph caves," says Dr. Trond Larsen, scientist at theConservation International.
