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Rainforest Discoveries: New Frog-Like Insects Unveiled
14 Nov
Summary
- Seven new leafhopper species discovered in Ugandan rainforest
- Leafhoppers have frog-like features and can only mate with their own species
- One species named after scientist's late mother who inspired his love of science
In November 2025, researchers announced the discovery of seven new species of frog-like leafhoppers in the Ugandan rainforest. The previously unknown insects, belonging to the genus Batracomorphus, were found during fieldwork conducted by Dr. Alvin Helden of Anglia Ruskin University.
These leafhoppers are mostly green, have large eyes, and jump using their long hind legs, which are tucked alongside their bodies like frogs. Confirming the species as new to science was a significant challenge, as leafhoppers of this genus look almost identical. The only reliable way to distinguish them is by examining their genitalia, which follow a "lock and key" mechanism that prevents hybridization between species.
One of the new species, Batracomorphus ruthae, was named by Dr. Helden to honor his late mother, Ruth, who was a scientist and encouraged his love of science from a young age. The other six species were named in Greek, reflecting their distinctive features or the locations where they were found.
The discovery of these seven new Batracomorphus species in the Ugandan rainforest is significant, as the last new species in this genus were recorded in Africa in 1981. These findings highlight the continued importance of biodiversity research and the potential for new discoveries, even in well-studied regions.
