Discovery in Panama: New Beetle Species
The discovery of this beetle highlights the fundamental role played by scientists at the University of Panama.
A new species of longhorn beetle was reported by Professor Alfredo Lanuza. He is a professor and researcher at the Colón Regional University Center (CRUC) in the University of Panama. The species, named Sternacutus crucolon, was described in collaboration with researchers from Colombia and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). The name assigned to the insect constitutes a direct tribute to the Colón Regional University Center, an academic unit that is celebrating its anniversary these days, thus recognizing its historical contribution to professional training and scientific research in the country.
This discovery is part of a study published in issue 80 (2) of the prestigious scientific journal The Coleopterists Bulletin, entitled “A New Species and New Records of Longhorned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Panama and Colombia.” This publication documents new records of beetles for both countries, expanding knowledge about the distribution of these insects in neotropical forests. The discovery highlights the fundamental role played by scientists at the University of Panama in generating knowledge of global scope and in documenting the extraordinary biological diversity of the isthmus, considered one of the most ecologically rich areas in America.
“This important record contributes to the knowledge of national biodiversity and highlights the country’s biological richness. The discovery constitutes a valuable contribution to entomology and strengthens the scientific research efforts carried out by the University of Panama in the area of inventory, monitoring, and conservation of wildlife,” stated Eduardo Flores Castro, Rector of the University of Panama. The description of new species is key to understanding ecosystems, establishing efficient conservation strategies, and promoting future research on wildlife, reaffirming the academy’s commitment to protecting Panama’s natural heritage.
You can view the study published in the specialized scientific journal The Coleopterists Bulletin through the following link: https://bioone.org/journals/the-coleopterists-bulletin/volume-80 .
