A new species of dragonfly, named Hetaerina giselae, has been discovered in the Pico do Itambé State Park in Brazil as part of an insect and arachnid inventory project.
A new species of dragonfly, identified as Hetaerina giselae, has been officially added to Brazil's biodiversity map. This significant finding occurred during an insect and arachnid inventory project at the Pico do Itambé State Park located in the Espinhaço mountain range, Minas Gerais. The discovery was made possible through a collaborative effort involving institutions such as IFSULDEMINAS, IFMG, USP, and UFTM, highlighting the importance of academic partnerships in biodiversity research.
The inventory project initiated in May 2024 and concluded in January 2025 aimed to assess the fauna of the conservation unit. According to Professor Marcos Magalhães de Souza, the lead coordinator of the Zoology Laboratory at IFSULDEMINAS, the project is intended to broaden the understanding of the park’s biodiversity, which is crucial for conservation efforts. The journey from collecting the specimen in the field to verifying that it was indeed a new species took approximately five months.
This discovery not only enriches the knowledge of Brazil's diverse ecosystem but also underscores the importance of ongoing research and conservation initiatives in maintaining biodiversity. The unveiling of Hetaerina giselae serves as a reminder of the unexplored species that inhabit Brazil’s natural reserves and the need for continuous exploration and documentation of wildlife, both for academic purposes and for informing conservation strategies.
