Natural History Wanderings

ScienceDaily reported in an article, New Jamaica butterfly species emphasizes need for biodiversity research, about the discovery of a new butterfly species in Jamaica. The new species and genus, Troy turneri, is in the Skipper family and has a wingspan of just over 1 centimeter. It is hoped that the butterfly may serve as a symbol for butterfly conservation in Jamaica as it is black and old and lives in a green habitat so pictures of it show the Jamaican national colors.

Jamaica is one of the better researched areas for butterflies and has 135 identified species of which 35 are endemic including the Troy turneri to Jamaica. This is the first new specie off butterfly discovered in Jamaica since 1995. To learn more and see a photo go to: New Jamaica butterfly species emphasizes need for biodiversity research