Top 10 New Species

The International Institute for Species Exploration (easily referred to as the IISE, based out of Arizona State Univeristy) released its list of 2008’s newest species. This list covers land, sea, and well, things that have been in the Earth’s ground for well over 75 million years. Here’s the IISE’s top 10 list of new species that grace this planet.

1. Electrolux Sleeper Ray

This electric ray is the largest member of its family and got its name in a very creative way. Scientist named this species after the Electrolux vacuum cleaner because this ray demonstrated amazing sucking power of video scientist took.

2. Gryposaurus Monumentensis

This 75 MILLION year old dinosaur was discovered by a team from the Alf Museum (the only nationally-accredited paleotology museum on a high school campus). Scientist describe this dino as one of the most robust duck-billed dinosaur ever discovered.

3. Pink Dragon Millipede

Named for its gaudy hot pink color, this millipede has survived because of that coloring. Predators are tricked by the hot pink coloring believing it to be toxic, spiny, and not tasty what’s so ever.

4. Sri Lankan Shrub Frog

The Philautus Maia was found in Sri Lanka and by being discovered, this frog believes to be the remaining species of Sri Lankan Shrub Frog, (scientists feel like-species have gone extinct).

5. Central Ranger’s Taipan

This is perhaps one of the most venomous known snakes, with its two closest relatives, the fierce snake and the coastal taipan, ranked first and third, respectively. The discovery of the new species highlights how little is known of even relatively large animals in harsh, poorly collected habitats (in this case an isolated arid region of Australia).

6. Mindoro Stripe-Faced Fruit Bat

This animal calls the Philippine island of Mindoro home. The new species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Its discovery highlights an increasing understanding of endemism on Mindoro, and the need for species exploration and conservation.

7.Xerocomus Silwoodensis

This new mushroom was found on the Silwood Campus, a campus of Imperial College in London, England. This mushroom has been located in 2 other sites in England and once in both Spain and Italy.

8. Malo Kingi

This box jellyfish, which is the 2nd known dangerous species, was named after American tourist Robert King. King died after being stung by the Malo Kingi while swimming off norther Queensland, Australia.

9. Megaceras Briansaltini

This Rhinoceros Beetle has a unique form of the horn that protrudes off the beetles head. This bug’s horn is very similar to Dim, a beetle from Disney/Pixar’s animated film A Bug’s Life.

10. Tecticornia Bibenda

Common Name: Michelin Man Plant. Named for its portrayal as the Michelin Man, in plant form, this plant is making its self known to the world. It has been also the subject of media releases on the lack of support for taxonomic work in Western Australia, a biodiversity hotspot. There is a huge backlog of new plant species awaiting description, ironically generated by environmental impact surveys for mining companies. It is one of 298 new plant species described from Western Australia in 2007.

Source of Pictures: http://www.species.asu.edu/topten2008.php