Rare plants and creatures of South America

Scientists waiting for a big success when they went in search of rare and new species of animals and plants in Suriname - a country on the northeast coast of South America. As a result of the trip 1378 species in the mountainous regions of Suriname have been described, including 60 species that are new.

Let's look at some of them.

Pier ants

Ants in nature are important scavengers, and this picture are (Camponotus Sp.) Eat dead insects. This is just one of the 149 species of ants found during the expedition.

Granite Mountain

This is a unique granite mountain towering 700 meters above the rainforest. Hence it is well to observe the surroundings. Scientists have discovered there are several unusual species, including some species of water beetles, which were new to science.

Large blue beetles

Coprophanaeus lancifer - the largest of all the dung beetles in South America. Both males and females have long horns on their heads, which they use during fights with other individuals of the same sex. The huge difference in size is primarily determined by how much food was available for the developing larvae.

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Tree frog

Tree frog (Hypsiboas Sp.), As well as other amphibians, a semipermeable skin, making it very sensitive to changes in the environment (climate, water availability).

Where is science

River Palumeu to Suriname. At this point, it is a broad and vibrant, but the base camp of the research group was far upstream where the river Palumeu was so narrow that scientists could cross it on a fallen tree:

Sensitive flower

This orchid (Phragmipedium lindleyanum) is one of several rare and beautiful species of orchids found on top of the previously unexplored mountain called Grensgebergte.

Beetle Lilliputian

Tiny beetle-midget (Canthidium cf. minimum), probably a new species for science, perhaps even a new genus. With a length of only 2.3 mm, it is the second largest of all described species of beetles in South America.

The carnivorous grasshopper

Although most grasshoppers are herbivores and feed on the leaves, this species (Copiphora longicauda) uses its powerful, sharp jaws to hunt insects and other invertebrates.

Night Watch

Due to the fact that very many mammals are elusive and difficult to see in the forest, scientists are using automated camera traps. The camera detects an animal with an infrared sensor and releases the shutter. Of the 24 large mammal species encountered on the expedition, many were found with the help of camera-traps. This Margay (Leopardus wiedii).

Spider-wolf

Suriname - not a paradise for all living creatures. This photograph, taken during one of the night walks scientists, shows how the wolf spider dines frog.

A wonderful waterfall

Numerous streams, streams and waterfalls in the region - this is an important habitat for a large number of terrestrial and aquatic species.

I see you

Beautiful tree frog (Hypsiboas geographicus). She is one of 46 species of frogs found during a scientific expedition, including six species of frogs that may be new to science.

Colorful Frog

This poisonous frog poison dart frogs Anomaloglossus Sp. secrete powerful toxins. Its venom is used by locals during the hunt.

Do not mess with this grasshopper

This grasshopper species (Pseudophyllinae: Teleutiini) is so strange that it really is a whole new kind of science. He is unusually long, lanky, and his legs are covered with sharp spines that help deter predators.

The multi-colored snake

Bright colors a la coral snake Erythrolamprus aesculpi provide protection from predators, but this snake is not enough deadly poison, which have real coral snakes. It is one of 19 snakes found during the expedition.

I love to eat fruit ...

Yes, this bat (Artibeus planirostris) eats fruits and sharp teeth to help capture the large fruits.

Playful Possum

This opossum (Marmosops parvidens) relates timbers and feeds insects fruit. One of the 39 species of small mammals (rats, bats, opossums), found in the virgin forests of Suriname during the expedition.

In the arms of a tree

Wood amaranth (Peltogyne venosa) has massive roots, which provide him support, especially during extreme storms and floods.

Country cloud

Mountains and vast forests untouched by man in the south-east of Suriname is often shrouded in clouds. This is one of the wettest parts of the country.

Froggy debut

This tree frog - one of the six new frog species discovered by scientists at Suriname.

Water, water everywhere

Of flooding due to rains research camp in the south-east of Suriname.

Are you looking at me?

Neustikurus (Neusticurus bicarinatus). This lizard is a great diver.

Clever disguise

Many types planthopper isolated from the peritoneal cavity wax, sometimes because it formed long filaments, as seen in this photograph. Such a clever disguise can fool a predator, and it will not attack the part of the insect.

Shedding light on new forms of

This is one (Hemigrammus AFF. Ocellifer) of 11 new fish species found during the expedition.

Margay

Margay (Leopardus wiedii). It looks like a smaller copy of its sister ocelot.