“Unlike anything we’ve ever seen”: bizarre new insect discovered in South America stuns scientists

undefined 10, 2026

Source: scitechdaily

Scientists have discovered a new termite species in a South American rainforest canopy named Cryptotermes mobydicki, notable for its unusually elongated head that resembles a sperm whale. Researchers initially thought it belonged to a new genus due to its unique anatomy. The species adds to the diversity of the Cryptotermes genus and offers new insights into termite evolution. Found in a dead tree high in the canopy, the termite lives only in rainforest habitats and poses no threat to homes or human activity.

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