Publish: 09:33, 03 Dec, 2024 Updated: 09:50, 03 Dec, 2024

Rare insect fossils discovered in NZ, offering insight into ancient ecosystems

Online Desk
Rare insect fossils discovered in NZ, offering insight into ancient ecosystems
A close-up of two tiny, whitefly puparia. Photo Courtesy: University of Otago

A newly discovered set of insect fossils, described as “extremely rare” by researchers, is shedding light on New Zealand’s ancient ecosystems. The fossils, which belong to adult whitefly insects, were uncovered in Miocene-aged sediments at the Hindon Maar crater lake near Dunedin. The findings were published in the journal Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments, University of Otago stated on Tuesday.

The whitefly fossils, measuring just 1.5mm by 1.25mm, are exceptionally well-preserved, remaining in the position in which the insects lived and died—attached to the underside of a fossilized leaf. While modern-day whiteflies are small, around 3mm in size, these ancient insects share similarities in shape and color but stand out for having all body segments distinctly defined by deep sutures, a feature not found in their modern counterparts.

Dr. Uwe Kaulfuss, a co-author of the study and researcher at the University of Göttingen in Germany, discovered the tiny fossils during an excavation earlier this year. He explained that while fossils of adult whitefly insects are not uncommon, “it takes extraordinary circumstances for the puparia—the protective shell the insect emerges from—to become fossilised.” According to Dr. Kaulfuss, the preservation of these fossils likely occurred when a leaf, carrying the insect puparia, was detached from a tree, blown into the small lake, and sank to the lake floor, where it was rapidly covered by sediment. “It must have happened in rapid succession as the tiny insect fossils are exquisitely preserved,” he said.

This discovery is significant for understanding ancient ecosystems, as it is the first evidence of whiteflies in New Zealand. "The new genus and species described in our study reveals for the first time that whitefly insects were an ecological component in ancient forests on the South Island,” Dr. Kaulfuss noted.

Emeritus Professor Daphne Lee from the University of Otago, a co-author of the study, described the discovery as "incredible" due to the fact that the fossils are still in their “life position” on the leaf, a preservation feat she called “extremely rare.” She added, “These little fossils are the first of their kind to be found in New Zealand and only the third example of such fossil puparia known globally.”

Professor Lee also emphasized how the discovery fits into a broader picture of New Zealand’s pre-Ice Age insect fauna. “Until about 20 years ago, the total number of insects in the country older than the Ice Ages was seven, and now we have 750,” she said. “New discoveries such as these from fossil sites in Otago mean we’ve gone from knowing almost nothing about the role played by insects to a new appreciation of their importance in understanding New Zealand’s past biodiversity and the history of our forest ecosystems.”

Lee further highlighted the significance of insect fossils in understanding ancient forest life, noting that “most animals in forests are insects,” and that New Zealand is home to around 14,000 insect species, 90% of which are unique to the country. “Discovery of these minute fossils tells us this group of insects has been in Aotearoa New Zealand for at least 15 million years,” she said, providing a valuable "well-dated calibration point for molecular phylogenetic studies."

Other recent fossil discoveries in Otago include the first-ever fossils of danceflies, craneflies, phantom midges, and marsh beetles from New Zealand. These discoveries demonstrate the global significance of Otago as a key site for paleontological research, with collaborations involving scientists from Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the United States.

Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan Al Jubair

More News
SpaceX set for seventh test of Starship megarocket
SpaceX set for seventh test of Starship megarocket
Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg to attend Trump's inauguration
Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg to attend Trump's inauguration
Explore Google Maps' Live View Feature for navigation in real time
Explore Google Maps' Live View Feature for navigation in real time
US SEC sues Musk, saying he didn’t disclose Twitter ownership on time
US SEC sues Musk, saying he didn’t disclose Twitter ownership on time
Indonesia to set social media age limit, following Australia’s example
Indonesia to set social media age limit, following Australia’s example
TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote as US ban looms
TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote as US ban looms
Lasers illuminate the intricate patterns on ancient tattoos of Peru’s mummies
Lasers illuminate the intricate patterns on ancient tattoos of Peru’s mummies
NASA to launch 'vacuum cleaner' tool for moon soil collection
NASA to launch 'vacuum cleaner' tool for moon soil collection
Blue Origin to attempt rocket launch again
Blue Origin to attempt rocket launch again
China mulls potential sale of TikTok US to Musk: Bloomberg
China mulls potential sale of TikTok US to Musk: Bloomberg
US announces new restrictions on AI chip exports
US announces new restrictions on AI chip exports
Billion-pound lawsuit against Apple over App Store opens in UK
Billion-pound lawsuit against Apple over App Store opens in UK
Latest News
Cabrera reappointed as national team head coach for one year
Cabrera reappointed as national team head coach for one year
1 hour ago | Sports
When the US had 2 presidents, 2 flags
When the US had 2 presidents, 2 flags
2 hours ago | International
Commission proposes 4-year bicameral parliament, 2-term PM limit
Commission proposes 4-year bicameral parliament, 2-term PM limit
2 hours ago | National
Govt to facilitate business, won’t engage in it: BIDA
Govt to facilitate business, won’t engage in it: BIDA
2 hours ago | Business
Land ministry’s updated server launched
Land ministry’s updated server launched
3 hours ago | National
Govt introduces market based interest rate for savings certificate
Govt introduces market based interest rate for savings certificate
3 hours ago | Business
Italy, Albania and UAE ink clean energy cooperation deal
Italy, Albania and UAE ink clean energy cooperation deal
3 hours ago | International
July mass killing trial could be completed before election
July mass killing trial could be completed before election
3 hours ago | National
Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period
Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period
4 hours ago | National
Report on cases against Hasina, Joy over plot scam on April 15
Report on cases against Hasina, Joy over plot scam on April 15
4 hours ago | National
Matiur's wife Laila Kaniz sent to jail
Matiur's wife Laila Kaniz sent to jail
5 hours ago | National
Talks likely with political parties over reforms in Feb: Rizwana
Talks likely with political parties over reforms in Feb: Rizwana
5 hours ago | National
Big syndicate involved in vehicle fraud: DMP
Big syndicate involved in vehicle fraud: DMP
5 hours ago | City
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
5 hours ago | National
Bangladesh needs global support for climate adaptation: France
Bangladesh needs global support for climate adaptation: France
5 hours ago | National
DMP files 2,085 cases for traffic rules violation
DMP files 2,085 cases for traffic rules violation
6 hours ago | City
RRP Agro Farms looking for Senior Technician
RRP Agro Farms looking for Senior Technician
6 hours ago | Business
Another cold wave approaches
Another cold wave approaches
6 hours ago | National
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
6 hours ago | Business
Malaysian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Jamaat Ameer
Malaysian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Jamaat Ameer
7 hours ago | National
Emma Reynolds replaces Tulip as UK City Minister
Emma Reynolds replaces Tulip as UK City Minister
7 hours ago | International
Norway, UK slam imminent Israeli ban on UNRWA
Norway, UK slam imminent Israeli ban on UNRWA
7 hours ago | International
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
7 hours ago | National
Govt prioritises gas exploration, extraction amidst crisis
Govt prioritises gas exploration, extraction amidst crisis
8 hours ago | National
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
8 hours ago | National
Anisul, Dipu Moni, 7 others shown arrested in fresh cases
Anisul, Dipu Moni, 7 others shown arrested in fresh cases
8 hours ago | National
Election pressure mounts
Election pressure mounts
8 hours ago | Special
60 dead at illegal S.African mine: Police
60 dead at illegal S.African mine: Police
8 hours ago | International
Suspected outbreak of Marburg disease kills 8 in Tanzania: WHO
Suspected outbreak of Marburg disease kills 8 in Tanzania: WHO
8 hours ago | International
Police reforms aim to ensure neutrality, says IGP
Police reforms aim to ensure neutrality, says IGP
8 hours ago | National
Most Read
Shakib Khan's ‘Dorod’ to release on iScreen
Shakib Khan's ‘Dorod’ to release on iScreen
11 hours ago | Entertainment
Cuba to free 553 prisoners after removal from US terror list
Cuba to free 553 prisoners after removal from US terror list
13 hours ago | International
Foreign investors allege investment hurdles in Bangladesh
Foreign investors allege investment hurdles in Bangladesh
13 hours ago | Business
Taskin makes it to Wisden's ODI team of the Year
Taskin makes it to Wisden's ODI team of the Year
10 hours ago | Sports
Former NBR official Matiur, wife arrested
Former NBR official Matiur, wife arrested
14 hours ago | National
FBI reveals Joy’s lavish lifestyle in US
FBI reveals Joy’s lavish lifestyle in US
12 hours ago | National
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
7 hours ago | National
Armanitola Govt High School spreads light for 120 years
Armanitola Govt High School spreads light for 120 years
11 hours ago | Special
Met office forecasts dry weather mainly over country
Met office forecasts dry weather mainly over country
10 hours ago | National
Ranbir Kapoor preps for ‘Dhoom 4’ with major transformation
Ranbir Kapoor preps for ‘Dhoom 4’ with major transformation
13 hours ago | Entertainment
US, Thailand sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement
US, Thailand sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement
13 hours ago | International
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
6 hours ago | Business
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
5 hours ago | National
Zia Orphanage Trust Case: Khaleda, Tarique, all others acquitted
Zia Orphanage Trust Case: Khaleda, Tarique, all others acquitted
13 hours ago | National
100 reserved seats proposed for women
100 reserved seats proposed for women
10 hours ago | Special
US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports
US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports
13 hours ago | International
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
8 hours ago | National
"Tulip should seek forgiveness from Bangladesh’s people"
"Tulip should seek forgiveness from Bangladesh’s people"
13 hours ago | National
Jason Roy expresses regret over national team exclusion
Jason Roy expresses regret over national team exclusion
11 hours ago | Sports
Biting cold batters Panchagarh, hits poor most
Biting cold batters Panchagarh, hits poor most
11 hours ago | National
Four reform commissions submit reports to CA
Four reform commissions submit reports to CA
11 hours ago | National
Liverpool comes up short against Forest as Man City’s fallibility returns
Liverpool comes up short against Forest as Man City’s fallibility returns
13 hours ago | Sports
Indonesia to set social media age limit, following Australia’s example
Indonesia to set social media age limit, following Australia’s example
12 hours ago | Tech
US, Japan, South Korea issue joint warning on North Korea cryptocurrency theft
US, Japan, South Korea issue joint warning on North Korea cryptocurrency theft
14 hours ago | International
US SEC sues Musk, saying he didn’t disclose Twitter ownership on time
US SEC sues Musk, saying he didn’t disclose Twitter ownership on time
11 hours ago | Tech
Market not coming under control
Market not coming under control
11 hours ago | Special
Thailand to overhaul surrogacy law for inclusivity, transparency
Thailand to overhaul surrogacy law for inclusivity, transparency
11 hours ago | International
Govt plans upgrading Dhaka-Ctg highway to 10-lane, DPP by June
Govt plans upgrading Dhaka-Ctg highway to 10-lane, DPP by June
9 hours ago | National
First shipment of 2,450 tonnes of rice from India arrives
First shipment of 2,450 tonnes of rice from India arrives
13 hours ago | Business
Government pledges to recover stolen money: CA press wing
Government pledges to recover stolen money: CA press wing
12 hours ago | National