Home / Science / Tiny Water Bear Discovery Rewrites NY Species List
Tiny Water Bear Discovery Rewrites NY Species List
3 Sep
Summary
- A new tardigrade species was discovered in Naples, New York.
- The species was named Mesocrista Ojagwaji, honoring Indigenous heritage.
- The discovery significantly increased New York's known tardigrade count.
A remarkable discovery was made by retired Kodak worker Judy Dobles, who identified a new species of tardigrade while volunteering as a citizen scientist at the Cumming Nature Center in Naples, New York. Examining moss collected from a log, Dobles observed a microscopic tardigrade that did not match any known species. She collaborated with Professor Piotr Gasiorek from Poland to formally identify and name the creature Mesocrista Ojagwaji.
The naming of Mesocrista Ojagwaji holds special significance, as it was developed in consultation with Jamie Jacobs of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. The name incorporates an Indigenous reference to the animal's spotting, diverging from traditional Latin-based scientific nomenclature. This approach honors the history of the land where the discovery occurred, reflecting Dobles' desire to involve others in the scientific process.
This finding significantly expands the known biodiversity of New York, raising the number of recognized tardigrade species in the state from 12 to 27. Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are microscopic, eight-legged animals famed for their resilience to extreme environmental conditions, including space. Dobles' work demonstrates that profound scientific insights can emerge from everyday settings and highlights the vastness of undocumented life on Earth.
