Perhaps a mutant?
Sometimes scientists find new species of animals and plants right next to universities, and now the Air Force reports on a new discovery made literally in the backyard of the Wildlife Museum in London
The small red and black insect was first spotted in the Museum's park back in March 2007, but it has become the most common bug in the park to date and has spread to Regent's Park and Gray's Inn.
The beetle appears to be harmless, but the rate of spread is daunting.
"It is not unusual to find a new species in the jungle, but when we found this insect literally under our feet near the museum, we were amazed."
Despite the fact that the Museum contains over 28 million insect specimens, this beetle has not been identified. According to experts, it is similar to the rare species Arocatus roeselii found in central Europe. But roeselii are brighter in color and found near other trees.
At the moment, there are two explanations for the mass appearance of beetles:
1. These are roeselii, which have adapted to life in other trees and, because of this, have become more fertile and prone to migration;
2. This is a new species of beetle, only superficially similar to roeselii.
The beetle's DNA is being tested to determine its identity.
