Where do new species come from? Take a look at some recently discovered creatures
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:
‘Large’ creature with black eyes found at mine and discovered as new species
On Misima Island in Papua New Guinea, scientists discovered the atra tree snake, a “large” snake with black eyes and matte black coloring. This new species was found around villages and gardens, as well as in degraded habitats at a mine site. The atra tree snake, named after the Latin word for black, was identified by its size, coloring, and scale pattern. | Published April 14 | Read More |
Blue-skinned creature seen ‘inflating’ itself on mountain. It’s a new species
.JPG "Dendrelaphis_thasuni (2).JPG")
On Maragala Mountain in Sri Lanka, researchers discovered Thasun’s bronzeback, a snake that inflates its body to ward off predators. This new species, found near the summit, is adept at moving through trees and has bright blue skin visible only when inflated. The snake was named in honor of a renowned biologist for his contributions to wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka. | Published April 15 | Read More |
3-foot-long creature with black tongue found on island. It’s a new species
On Woodlark Island in Papua New Guinea, locals discovered Rosen’s tree snake, a “smooth” snake with a black tongue and mostly black eyes. This new species thrives in rainforests and human-established gardens, and its color darkens as it ages. Named after a late snake ecologist, Rosen’s tree snake was identified by its coloring and scale pattern. | Published April 15 | Read More |
4-year-old sees ‘translucent’ creature in water tank — and discovers new species
In Naduvannur village, India, a child discovered Juhu’s pigmy eel-loach, a “translucent” fish with visible bones. Found in a water tank, this new species lives underground and might still be evolving towards a fully subterranean life. Named after the child who discovered it, the eel-loach was identified by its lack of pigmentation and body shape. | Published April 16 | Read More |
‘Stocky’ creature with ‘fiery orange’ eyes found mating. It’s a new species
.jpg "cover image (1).jpg")
In northeastern India, scientists discovered the Arya litter frog, a “stocky” frog with “fiery orange” eyes. Found in Assam and Meghalaya states, this nocturnal frog was identified by its call, size, and eye color. Named in honor of a college in Assam, the Arya litter frog was discovered during nighttime wildlife surveys. | Published April 17 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.
This story was originally published April 18, 2025 at 9:33 AM with the headline "Where do new species come from? Take a look at some recently discovered creatures."