LANSING, Michigan (WLNS) — A group of scientists from Michigan State University hasdiscoveredA newly discovered type of cockroach. This marks the first instance of a member from this family being identified in the western hemisphere.
Known as Nocticola vagus, three female specimens of this species were discovered in Florida. Nocticolidae species are also present in the exotic pet market and at a zoo in Austria. These species are not classified as pests.
MSU entomology graduate student Junkai Wang and his mentor Anthony Cognato discovered this. Cognato is also a specialist in taxonomy and the director of theA.J. Cook Insect Research Collection (ARC) at MSU.
What sets Nocticola vagus apart is its capacity to reproduce without the need for males — a rare characteristic among cockroaches and completely unique within its genus. Researchers think this ability allowed it to travel far from its native habitat, probably by traveling in the soil of potted plants.
To verify this finding, the MSU research group examined the insects’ physical characteristics and genetic material, identifying sufficient variations to categorize them as a distinct species.
Specimens of Nocticola vagus are currently kept in the ARC at MSU.
“This study emphasizes the impact that graduate students can have on expanding understanding of biodiversity and the part the ARC plays in safeguarding significant scientific specimens such as this holotype,” Cognato stated.
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