New Cockroach Species Named After a Pokémon

Where was the new [[species::A group in which animals. plants, humans, etc. are divided.]] of cockroach discovered?

A new cockroach species have been found in Singapore. It has been named “Pheromosa” after a Pokémon [[resembling::Something that looks similar to another thing.]] a cockroach. This species is a part of the family [[Nocticolidae::A specific type of cockroaches]].

Foo Maosheng and Cristian Lucanas are the super cool scientists who named the new species after a Pokémon.

This is not the first time a species has been named after a Pokémon. In 2021, researchers named three Australian beetles after Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. They were named for their [[fiery::Bright red, just like fire.]] colours.

How did scientists find out that this was a different species?

In 2016, the newly discovered cockroach species was found during an insect survey. These surveys are mostly done to learn more about insects in a certain area. Scientists first thought it looked like a known species. But they studied it and found out that it was a new species.

The newly discovered species, Nocticola pheromosa, is more [[delicate::The process of examining and recording the characteristics of an area.]]than American cockroaches. This is because these creatures live in well-protected areas. Yet, little is known about this Singaporean species. Experts are unsure where they came from.

What is the importance of cockroaches in nature?

While most (all!?) people dislike cockroaches, they are important to the environment. They eat dead plants and animals. This helps stop the spread of diseases. They provide a natural food source for many animals, including birds and fish.

Some cockroaches act as [[pollinators::Any insect that helps carry pollen from one flower to another.]]. So cockroaches help spread greenery! :D Did you know scientists have also created remote-controlled cockroaches that can help us?

What did we learn from this article?

We learned that every species serves a purpose in nature. It is important to understand that all living species are connected and interdependent. This helps in protecting the balance of nature.

Also, there are many species on Earth that we know very less about. So, scientists are working hard to learn more about them.

Quick Revision

• New cockroach Nocticola pheromosa found in Singapore.

• Named after Pokémon; found by Foo Maosheng & Cristian Lucanas.

• Discovered in 2016, delicate and rare.

• Cockroaches help clean nature and pollinate.

• Every species keeps nature balanced.

Knowledge checkpoint

Guess the word