PUBLISHED : 2 Feb 2024 at 06:23
The Foundation of the National Science Museum (NSM) has identified five new insect species and a new type of plant in Thailand, affirming the country’s development in terms of scientific exploration.
NSM president Asst Prof Rawin Raviwongse on Wednesday revealed the discovery of three species of earwigs, two species of ants and one ginger-like plant
The three earwig species are called Mongolabis chiangmaiensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023, found in Chiang Mai; Mongolabis chantha Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023, found in Chanthaburi; and Mongolabis siamensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023, discovered in Nan.
They are wingless and unable to fly, unlike other earwigs. Their colours range from medium to dark brown. The males have long sex organs.
Meanwhile, the two species of ants found in Thailand and Laos are known as Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi Phosrithong et Jaitrong, 2024, and Plagiolepis silpaarchai Phosrithong et Jaitrong, 2024.
One of two new species of ants. (Photo: National Science Museum)
They look almost identical to each other with the same shaped head and long hair all over their bodies, but the latter has a rougher coating. The discovery has been published in the 492nd edition of the Far Eastern Entomologist journal.
As for the new plant species, its scientific name is Kaempferia subglobosa Noppornch & Jenjitt. It belongs to the ginger family and is native only to Tak province. The discovery was published in the 69th edition of the plant journal Blumea.
“Given the number of discoveries we’ve made, the NSM has, on average, discovered a new species on Earth each year,” said Asst Prof Rawin.
“Such an achievement has led to several collaborative works with local and international research agencies. As these works are published and approved by international academics, it helps make Thailand more reputable on the world stage,” he said.
The newly discovered earwigs in Chiang Mai, Chanthaburi and Nan.