When he brought it to Doug Yanega, head of the entomology museum on campus, Oliva was informed that it was a firefly never before categorized. What is special about this particular discovery is that it was made by an undergrad student, which is uncommon.
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Finding a New species of insect in California, means discovering one thing that hundreds of different scientists, biology college students and bug fanatics missed, it’s the truth is fairly a fortunate break.
Recently, a new species of firefly was discovered in Southern California by an undergraduate, Joshua Oliva, while he was collecting specimens for his semester insect collection.
Even though she did not snag the firefly, Oliva said, his mother, Ana, may eventually get some of the credit.
Contrary to what many believe, some 30 varieties of fireflies are in Southern California, although not all of them glow, Yanega said. However, discovering a brand new species, most definitely is. However, the progresses in entomology take time and Mr. Yanega had to explain to Joshua that his specimen will remain in the museum collection of fireflies, but that it would take quite a few more specimens for the species to be recognized officially.
Yanega sent photos of the firefly to Joe Cicero and Marc Branham from the University of Florida, both experts in fireflies, and they confirmed it was indeed a new species. He added that upon hearing the confirmation, the young man was most likely the happiest student he’s ever seen. Also, the fireflies in the West Coast of the U.S. display bioluminescent light while they are still larva, but few of these exist in the western part of the country. Naming a new species is a long and sometimes complex process.
Usually, new species sit in collections for many years before an specialist comes to acknowledge that the insects belong to an unknown species. But it is not unusual to have the species named after the person who first discovered a specimen. He also said, “The act of formally describing a new species is like gathering evidence for a court case”.
Oliva, 24, who graduated earlier this month, found the new firefly species in mid-May 2015.
Oliva, who moved to the US from Guatemala when he was 9 years old, says he has been fascinated by insects since childhood.
For his “Field Entomology” class, Oliva said he needed to collect and properly present 300 museum-quality insects for a grade.
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Oliva, on the other hand, said that if they would allow him to name it, he’d name it after his mother who’s been a great help to him throughout his studies.
