**Title: New Species of Millipede Discovered in Los Angeles: Meet the Los Angeles Thread Millipede**
Scientists have recently made an exciting discovery in the bustling city of Los Angeles, as they have identified a previously unknown species of millipede. Dubbed the “Los Angeles Thread Millipede,” this tiny arthropod was stumbled upon by naturalists in a Southern California hiking area not far from a freeway, a popular Starbucks, and an Oakley sunglasses store.
Measuring about the length of a paperclip but as thin as pencil lead, the Los Angeles Thread Millipede boasts a unique appearance, with its translucent and sinuous body. The creature burrows underground, relying on its hornlike antennas to navigate since it is blind. Similarly, the millipede excretes unusual chemicals, adding to its mysterious nature.
The discovery was made by a team of researchers including entomologist Paul Marek from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, scientists from West Virginia University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Their noteworthy findings were published in the scientific journal ZooKeys on June 21, shining a spotlight on the newfound species.
This millipede joins the ranks of other intriguing species found in California, such as the world’s leggiest creature, the Illacme plenipes. Millipedes, including the Los Angeles Thread Millipede, play a vital role in the ecosystem by feasting on dead organic material, aiding in decomposition and nutrient recycling.
Remarkably, it was an app called iNaturalist, designed for citizen naturalists, that led to the discovery of this millipede. Through DNA sequencing and analysis, the research team confirmed that the Los Angeles Thread Millipede is indeed a new species. This significant finding further demonstrates how technology and the public’s interest in nature can contribute to scientific research.
According to Brian Brown, the curator of entomology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles alone is estimated to be home to around 20,000 species of insects among the estimated 10 million animal species on Earth. However, only one million of these species have been discovered, underscoring the vast potential for further exploration and discovery.
While celebrating this newfound addition to the biodiversity of Los Angeles, experts highlight the importance of protecting local parks and wild lands to preserve and understand the intricate web of life. As threats such as climate change and invasive species loom, investing in these areas becomes crucial to maintaining the delicate balance of the environment and conserving the wonders that still await our discovery.
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