Bountya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bountya insularis |
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| Male holotype specimen held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Phylum: | |
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| Subfamily: |
Broscinae
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| Tribe: |
Broscini
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| Subtribe: |
Creobiina
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| Genus: |
Bountya
Townsend, 1971
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| Species: |
B. insularis
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| Binomial name | |
| Bountya insularis Townsend, 1971
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Bountya insularis is a special kind of beetle that belongs to the Carabidae family. It is the only species in its group, called the genus Bountya. This means it's quite unique!
This small beetle was first officially described in 1971 by a scientist named J. I. Townsend. He studied specimens that were collected by E. G. Turbott on November 11, 1950. The place where they found these beetles was a remote spot called Bounty Island. The very first specimen used to describe the species, known as the holotype, is kept safe in the entomology collection at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Contents
What is a Beetle?
Beetles are amazing insects that make up the largest group of living things on Earth! There are over 400,000 different kinds of beetles. They belong to an order called Coleoptera, which means "sheathed wing." This name comes from their special hard front wings, called elytra. These elytra act like a protective shield for their delicate flying wings underneath.
Beetle Body Parts
Like all insects, beetles have three main body parts:
- The head: This is where their antennae, eyes, and mouthparts are found. Antennae help them smell and feel their way around.
- The thorax: This is the middle part where their six legs and two pairs of wings are attached.
- The abdomen: This is the last section, which holds their digestive organs and other important parts.
Why are Beetles Important?
Beetles play many important roles in nature. Some beetles help break down dead plants and animals, cleaning up the environment. Others are pollinators, helping plants make seeds. Some beetles even help control pests by eating other insects.
Meet the Bountya insularis
The Bountya insularis is a type of ground beetle. Ground beetles are known for being fast runners. They usually live on the ground, often hiding under rocks, logs, or leaves. Most ground beetles are predators, meaning they hunt and eat other small insects.
Unique Features
What makes Bountya insularis so special is that it's the only known species in its genus, Bountya. This means it doesn't have any close relatives that are also part of the Bountya group. It's truly one of a kind!
Where Does it Live?
This unique beetle is found only on the Bounty Islands. These islands are a small, remote group of 13 rocky islets and reefs in the Pacific Ocean. They are located southeast of New Zealand. The Bounty Islands are known for their harsh weather and are mostly home to seabirds and seals. Finding a beetle like Bountya insularis in such a place makes it even more interesting!
Island Life
Living on a small, isolated island can lead to species becoming very unique. Over long periods, animals on islands can evolve differently from their relatives on larger landmasses. This is why many island species, like the Bountya insularis, are found nowhere else in the world.
Who Discovered It?
The first specimens of Bountya insularis were collected by E. G. Turbott in 1950. He was likely part of a scientific expedition exploring the wildlife of the remote Bounty Islands.
The Scientist Who Named It
J. I. Townsend was the scientist who later studied these specimens and officially described the species in 1971. When a scientist describes a new species, they give it a scientific name and publish details about its features. This helps other scientists learn about and identify the new species. The original specimen used for this description is called the holotype. It's like the official "example" of that species.
