Scientists have discovered 30 new species of insects in Los Angeles following a biodiversity survey.
Researchers working for the BioSCAN project at the National History Museum (NHM) of L.A. made the latest discovery and suggest that it opens new research opportunities in urban areas.
All the newly found species belong to a single genus called Megaselia. Scientists are puzzled with the latest discovery due to the number of species found at once and at one place, and also because they have been found in an urban location such as L.A.
"I always thought we had the potential to discover new species wherever we sample - urban, tropical, anywhere. But 30 new species from a heavily urbanized area is really astounding," says [pdf] Dr. Brian Brown, the curator of Entomology at NHM and also the principal investigator of BioSCAN.
The survey involved setting up of a number of insect traps in various locations of L.A. These traps were examined once a week and trapped insects were collected for observation at the museum. Dr. Brain Brown and Emily Hartop, scientists of the BioSCAN project, explain that they focused to identify phorids, which is a group of flies that is small in size but are quite diverse.
The study also involved comparing the collected samples with the details of every phorids known to man and recorded. In this process Hartop identified 30 new species.
The researchers suggest that the latest discovery is significant as it will provide insight in how biodiversity is influenced by urbanization. Scientists highlight that some species are also able to survive the increasing level of pollution in urban environments.
Scientists also suggest that while many species have gone extinct, there are still many species that are yet to be discovered by humans.
The latest findings may also help policymakers draw plans on how to manage urban ecosystems. The researchers credit the success of the survey to residents of L.A., who showed a high level of enthusiasm for the project.
The new species of insects will be named in honor of people who helped in supporting the project at their sites.
