New cricket

Some interesting discoveries out in one of the remoter regions of the American Southwest:

In addition to the possible new genus of cricket, four new species of crickets have been identified from the spring samples. A barklouse also was found in the caves. Though common in South America, this was the first one discovered in North America, Voyles said.

Previous cave trips yielded two new species of millipedes within three miles of each other.

What makes the yet-to-be-named new genus of cricket special is that it has pincers on its hind end. The pincers are functional, but it is not known why they have them nor what purpose they serve.

Posted by David on July 26, 2006 1:42 PM