A Brazilian sinkhole yielded two previously undescribed aquatic beetles
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Researchers described Microcylloepus dimorphus and Hexacylloepus misteriosa from adults and larvae sampled from macrophytes in Lagoa Misteriosa. These represent the first Brazilian riffle-beetle species described from a still-water habitat.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Surveying unusual, apparently isolated microhabitats can change species-range and habitat assumptions even in well-studied taxonomic families.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
One sinkhole and one year of targeted collection; taxonomic discovery does not quantify regional abundance or endangerment.
SOURCE
Neotropical Entomology — Polizei et al. (2026)
View original evidence ↗
Yearlong sampling of a single karst pool broadened the known habitats of riffle beetles.
Read the Wild Lands assessment →