A dementor wasp discovered in the Mekong region uses its body chemistry to turn cockroaches into zombies. This bizarre creature, named after corporeal beings from the Harry Potter series of books and movies, is just one of 139 new species identified in a recent study of this area of southeast Asia.
Ampulex dementor, as the newly discovered species is known, injects a chemical into its prey that sends cockroaches into a zombie-like state before they are eaten alive. This species was discovered in Thailand.
The World Wildlife Fund compiled a report titled "Magical Mekong" chronicling the newly discovered species, which were found throughout the region.
In Vietnam, researchers found a new species of stick insect that measures 21 inches long. Surprisingly, this creature, believed to be the second-longest insect in the world, was found living just over half a mile from a populated village.
Several of the newly identified species are in danger of going extinct, due to human encroachment on their habitat, and demand for exotic woods and meats.
"We've only skimmed the surface of new discoveries in the Greater Mekong. [It is possible] many species have disappeared before they were even discovered," said Thomas Gray of the WWF.
Members of two newly discovered crocodile newt species discovered in Myanmar have already been found for sale in European pet stores. Investigators also discovered a previously unknown species of bat with a fearsome set of teeth, a thorny frog with the ability to change color, and a stealthy wolf snake.
In all, WWF reports the discovery of 23 new species of reptiles, 16 varieties of amphibians, nine types of fish, and a previously unknown mammal.
In addition to animals, several new species of flowers were found, including a pair of orchid species previously unknown to scientists. Both of these were found for sale in Chatuchak Market in Bangkok before the plants could be properly chronicled by biologists.
The Greater Mekong region encompasses Cambodia, Yunnan province in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The area is rich with life, and WWF reports the area is one of the five most-threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world.
"The Greater Mekong's unique ecosystems are truly the gift that keeps on giving, providing sanctuary for a treasure trove of species and critical benefits for millions of people across the region," Teak Seng, conservation director for WWF-Greater Mekong, said.
In the Harry Potter universe, dementors are powerful, fearsome beings, among the most foul of all creatures. They are capable of stealing the souls of their human targets, leaving their victims as empty shells, in a permanent vegetative state.
