New species identified when it bites researcher’s hand and 4 more discoveries

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Learn more about some recent new species discoveries:

Tick-infested creature bites researcher in Papua New Guinea. It’s a new species

On Sudest Island in southern Papua New Guinea, researchers identified a new snake species named Aspidomorphus dimorphus after a research assistant was bitten by it in 2004. This snake, found in the rainforest, is unique for its bimodal color patterns, with both orange and dark morphs being genetically identical. | Published May 2 | Read More |

‘Silvery’ river creature with ‘unique’ stripe turns out to be new species

In a remote river in northern Brazil, scientists discovered a new fish species named Cyphocharax ivo, or Ivo’s curimatid, during a 2005 survey. This small, “silvery” fish with a “unique” stripe was found in the Amapá state, near the border with French Guiana and Suriname. The species was named in honor of Ivo Silva dos Santos for his contributions to ichthyology. | Published May 5 | Read More |

‘Long’-armed deep-sea creature with dozens of suckers discovered as new species

In the depths of the Western Pacific Ocean, scientists discovered a new species of octopus named Grimpoteuthis feitiana, or Feitian’s Dumbo octopus, during a 2017 expedition. Found at the Caroline Seamount, this “semi-gelatinous” creature has “long” arms covered in suckers and moves gracefully, reminiscent of the goddess Feitian. The octopus is adapted to survive in extreme deep-sea conditions. | Published May 6 | Read More |

‘Porcelain’-like creature with ‘large’ claws found on island. It’s a new species

On an island in northeast India, researchers discovered Bhattacharya’s porcelain crab, or Petrolisthes tanmayi, during a 2023 wildlife survey. This speckled crab with “large” claws was found hiding under rocks and bricks in the mangrove forest of West Bengal. The species was named in honor of Tanmay Bhattacharya for his contributions to zoology. | Published May 6 | Read More |

‘Giant’ new species of fish found in disappearing roadside pond in Argentina

In Argentina’s Chaco National Park, researchers found a new species of giant killifish named Titanolebias calvinoi in a shallow, drying pond. This nearly 4-inch-long fishcan survive in temporary aquatic environments through remarkable adaptations like drought-resistant eggs. | Published May 6 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery and sightings of the most unusual and intriguing species. Check back for the latest stories.

This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM with the headline "New species identified when it bites researcher’s hand and 4 more discoveries."