A new species of insect has been found in the Ugandan rainforest that is so rare that its closest known relative was last seen more than 50 years ago.
A British scientist discovered the species of leafhopper in a national park in western Uganda.
The species has a metallic sheen. The male reproductive organs are shaped like a leaf.
The last time a leafhopper was seen was in Central African Republic in 1969.
The leafhoppers are similar to the cicadas. They are preyed on by a variety of insects including spiders, beetles and birds.
It is the first time I have ever found a new species. It is one of the things that you aspire to do as an entomologist, and I have been able to do it now.
The leafhoppers have a member named phlogis kibalensis. People are familiar with cicadas and leafhoppers. I usually describe them as small. They all have the same structure, their head end is held slightly higher than their back end, and they are colorful.
The leafhoppers of this group are very rare and unusual in appearance. Their biology is almost completely unknown because they are so rare. We don't know much about the new species, including what plants it feeds on or its role in the local environment.
Helden has been leading student field trips to the Kibale national park in Uganda since 2015. Helden has been documenting the insects found in the park and making field guides which include photos of Kibale's butterflies, hawkmoths and tortoise beetles.
I wanted my students to be able to see the butterflies on their phones or tablets, so I created my own guide. Helden thought it would be useful for other international groups and Ugandan students. The guides can help people put a name to things.
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