BioInsecta researchers find an anomalous concentration of insects in the Amazon

Researchers from the international BioInsecta project have discovered an anomalous concentration of insect life within a 10,000-hectare area of the Brazilian Amazon. The biological inventory indicates that up to 40,000 insect species may inhabit this single site—representing approximately 0.7% of all known insect species on Earth.

Multilayered Monitoring and Vertical Traps

To capture a complete picture of the ecosystem, the team moved beyond traditional ground-level sampling. They implemented a multi-tiered monitoring system using vertical mesh traps that span from the forest floor to tree canopies at heights of up to 30 meters.

The canopy levels proved to be the primary reservoir of biodiversity. Over 14 months of continuous field work, scientists collected more than 5.5 million specimens. In addition to the mesh traps, the team utilized light installations to attract nocturnal moths and organic decay baits to lure rare species of flies and carrion beetles.

DNA Barcoding for Species Identification

Due to the volume of specimens, the project utilized DNA barcoding to process 600,000 of the most promising samples. This method identifies species via short genetic markers, bypassing the need for immediate detailed morphological descriptions. Currently, approximately 400 taxonomists are working to match these genomic "digital fingerprints" with the insects' physical characteristics.

The Challenge of Taxonomy

The discovery of thousands of potentially new species creates a significant naming challenge. Dalton Amorim from the University of São Paulo has suggested using regional hydronyms, names of prominent figures, and words from indigenous Amazonian languages for the official Latin designations.

Zoologist Dmitry Melnikov noted that finding such a volume of new creatures in the 21st century proves that the era of great biological discovery is not over. He compared the findings to archaeological discoveries of ancient tools that redefine previous understanding of ancestral capabilities.

The researchers emphasize that documenting this biodiversity is critical for understanding global ecosystem stability, particularly as tropical forests continue to shrink due to human economic activity.

Questions about Amazonian Insect Diversity

How are insects captured in the high canopy?

Scientists use special vertical mesh systems consisting of five traps placed at different levels, reaching heights of 30 meters—roughly equivalent to a ten-story building.

What is DNA barcoding?

It is a method of rapid identification using a small, unique section of an organism's DNA, which allows researchers to process hundreds of thousands of samples more efficiently than manual morphological analysis.

Source: This article was adapted from an original Russian-language publication by Pravda.Ru.