Scientists discover new ladybug species on university campus

Researchers at Kyushu University identified a tiny new ladybird beetle, Parastethorus pinicola, on a pine tree at the Hakozaki campus as part of a three-year review of Stethorini; the study also named a second new species, Stethorus takakoae.

Researchers at Kyushu University identified a previously undescribed ladybird beetle, Parastethorus pinicola, on a pine tree at the university's Hakozaki Satellite campus. The beetle is just over one millimeter long and was recognized during a three-year project to revise the classification of Stethorini, a tribe of minute ladybirds. The review is the first significant update to Japan's understanding of these insects in more than 50 years. The team examined many specimens to resolve long-standing classification issues. Key details: - The new species is named Parastethorus pinicola, a name meaning "pine dweller," and was found on a pine tree at the Hakozaki campus. - Parastethorus pinicola measures just over one millimeter in length. - The three-year taxonomic review examined approximately 1,700 specimens to address classification problems within Stethorini. - Researchers concluded that the beetle long known in Japan as Stethorus japonicus is the same species as Stethorus siphonulus, aligning Japan's records with broader regional data. - A second new species, Stethorus takakoae, was also identified from Hokkaido. - The findings illustrate that small or familiar environments can contain species previously overlooked by collectors and researchers. Summary: The study refines Japan's taxonomy for Stethorini and brings several names into clearer alignment with records from neighboring regions. The identification of Parastethorus pinicola and Stethorus takakoae expands the documented diversity of minute ladybirds in Japan. Undetermined at this time.