The newly discovered weevil species, formally known as Acicnemis ryukyuana or the “Ryukyu dead-tree weevil,” was found in the subtropical forests of Ishigaki Island and the Yanbaru National Park on Okinawa in Japan. These islands are part of the Ryukyu chain. This region is well known for its unique biodiversity and isolated evolutionary history. The weevil exhibits distinct features, including yellow banding on its shoulders and hair-like scales on its back and legs. Its unique characteristics set it apart from other known weevil species in East Asia. The discovery was made by entomologist Jake Lewis. He works with the Okinawan … Continue reading Okinawa Researchers Discover an Enigmatic New Species In Ryukyu Islands