Creatures sneaking into buildings and ‘armored’ bodies: Here’s the latest new species

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 discoveries:

‘Armored’ creature with ‘copper colored’ teeth found in river. It’s a new species

In the Sapucaí River of eastern Brazil, scientists discovered a new species of armored catfish named Neoplecostomus sapucai. This fish, characterized by its “copper colored” teeth and bony plates, was found in crystal-clear, rapidly flowing streams. | Published Dec. 12 | Read More |

Elusive creature found trying to enter house in Honduras. It’s a new species

In El Pino village, Honduras, researchers discovered a new species of blindsnake named Liotyphlops pino. This small, worm-like snake was found burrowing near a house, likely attracted by construction work. | Published Dec. 11 | Read More |

Slimy river creature with ‘sharply pointed’ teeth found hiding. It’s a new species

In southern Japan, a new species of eel, Uropterygius hades, was discovered in mangrove swamps. Known as the Hades’ snake moray eel, it is distinguished by its “sharply pointed” teeth and preference for hiding in muddy environments. | Published Dec. 10 | Read More |

‘Lean’ creature with ‘diamond-shaped’ eyes found floating in pond. It’s a new species

In the ponds of Maharashtra, India, scientists identified a new species of frog called Phrynoderma konkani. Known as the Konkan pond frog, it features “diamond-shaped” eyes and was found in the northern Western Ghats. | Published Dec. 9 | Read More |

‘Armored’ river creature with ‘copper colored’ teeth turns out to be new species

In the mountain streams of Minas Gerais, Brazil, researchers found a new species of catfish named Neoplecostomus altimontanus. This high mountain armored catfish is noted for its “copper colored” teeth and bony plates. | Published Dec. 6 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.

This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Creatures sneaking into buildings and ‘armored’ bodies: Here’s the latest new species."