Two Bangladeshi zoologists from Chattogram, Md Jahir Rayhan and Sayema Jahan, have identified and named a new species of moth, calling it Paraxenoacria spinosa. Their work, which involved six months of research and observation in their laboratory, led to the discovery of this unique moth.
Rather than referring to a list of pre-existing names, Rayhan and Jahan carefully studied the moth’s behavior and physical traits. The genus name, Paraxenoacria, is a combination of Greek words: "Paraxeno," meaning peculiar, and "Acria," a genus of moths. In most Acria moths, a unique curve exists on the front wings, but in this newly discovered moth, the curve appears on the back wings, thus earning it the title "peculiar Acria."
The species name "Spinosa" refers to the distinctive tall spines found in the male genitalia of the moth, which further differentiates it from other species. These characteristics set Paraxenoacria spinosa apart as a newly discovered moth.
Scientific naming is essential as it creates a universal language among scientists worldwide, enabling further research. Rayhan likened it to naming humans as Homo sapiens, where Homo is the genus, and sapiens (meaning wise) is the species, reflecting human intelligence.
Rayhan has been studying moths since 2018 due to their diversity and wide impact. Some moths are used for silk production, while others serve as pests or protein sources. The beauty and variety in moths’ wing colors also drew him to this field.
Both Rayhan and Jahan graduated in Zoology from the University of Chittagong in 2023. Rayhan later completed a year-long research program at the Florida Museum of Natural History, studying moth silk evolution. Jahan is currently researching the Sundarbans crow butterfly, which is native to Bangladesh and nearing extinction.
The couple’s discovery of Paraxenoacria spinosa was published in the journal Zootaxa, a renowned platform for scientific naming, after peer review. They collected larvae from the University of Chittagong and meticulously studied the moth's morphology, ecology, feeding habits, and silk production, ultimately concluding it was a new genus and species.
Interestingly, through tracking photographs on the iNaturalist website, Rayhan and Jahan found that this moth exists in other parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, and Malaysia. The specimen is now preserved at the University of Chittagong Museum for future research.
Rayhan emphasized the broader significance of moths in ecosystems. For instance, papaya plants rely on the Hawkmoth for pollination, showing the vital role moths play in plant reproduction. Moths contribute to silk production, serve as a protein source, and even provide dye for ice cream, highlighting their diverse importance to both nature and human life.
https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/how-two-bangladeshi-zoologists-named-new-moth-969316
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