Cover image via Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum / Instagram
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Two new species of previously unknown bush crickets — also called katydids — have been found in Sabah
The discovery was made by Dr Tan Ming Kai, an entomologist from the National University of Singapore, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department, using light traps that attract nocturnal insects.
According to The Sun, the two bush cricket species were discovered at night, deep in the lush jungles of Sabah's Maliau Basin and the Meligan highlands near Long Pasia
The two new katydid species have been given the scientific names Tapiena dimidia and Tapiena munae
Katydids are the distant cousins of crickets and grasshoppers.
Similar to crickets, these two species also use rhythmic chirping as a mating call. They also sport delicate green wings, giving them their signature leaf-like appearance.
Both critters are bright green in colour, however, they're distinguished by red markings on their frames.
The Tapiena dimidia has red markings on its legs and wings, while the Tapiena munae sports a red-tinted face.
Dr Tan named one of the species, Tapiena munae, in memory of his late pet dog, Munchie
Meanwhile, Tapiena dimidia's name is derived from the Latin word for "half", referencing the patterns on its wing ridges, which it rubs together to generate high-pitched sounds.
What's remarkable about this discovery is the fact that both species emit extremely high-pitched sounds — impossible to be heard by human ears.
This discovery adds to Malaysia's growing list of newly discovered biodiversity — proof that Malaysian jungles should be preserved and protected.
