The scientific community has recently made a significant discovery: a new species of beetle known as the Trigonopterus corona. The renowned Indonesian island of Sulawesi is home to this unique insect. Interestingly, this is not the first insect named in the shadow of the pandemic. In April 2021, scientists collected and named a new species of caddisfly, a moth-like insect, as Potamophylax coronavirus, nearby a stream in Kosovo. This article delves deeper into the details and significance of such nomenclature, and the unique characteristics of these insects.
Symbolism Behind the Name
The researchers chose ‘Trigonopterus corona’ as the name for the newly discovered beetle species to symbolize the profound impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on their study. The research, which focuses on the Trigonopterus genus, has been in progress for the past 15 years, but was unfortunately delayed due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
About the Trigonopterus Genus
The Trigonopterus is a hyperdiverse genus from the family of flightless hidden-snout weevils (Cryptorhynchinae), found extensively over the Indo-Australian-Melanesian archipelago. Commonly referred to as flour bugs due to their frequent presence in flour storage, these creatures belong to the beetle family and are easily identifiable by their elongated snouts. The Trigonopterus genus is believed to have originated from Northern Australia, rapidly diversifying in New Guinea, and eventually colonizing the island of Sulawesi and dispersing further to the west towards Sundaland, a bio-geographical region located in south-eastern Asia.
The Island of Sulawesi: Home of the Trigonopterus Corona
Sulawesi, one of the four Greater Sunda Islands, intriguingly forms three major gulfs (Tomini being the largest) due to its distinct shape split into four peninsulas. Along with Sumatra, Borneo and Java, Sulawesi makes up the island group of Indonesia. This island is characterized by its striking mountainous terrains, often featuring active volcanoes, with the highest peak being Mount Rantekombola or Mario, standing tall at 11,335 feet. However, the southern peninsula and the south-central region of the island offer a change in scenery with vast plains dedicated to rice cultivation.
Delayed but not Deterred
The discovery and naming of the Trigonopterus Corona signify more than just an addition to the scientific body of knowledge. It stands as a testament to the resilience of scientists and researchers who, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, continued their work, fostering life-changing discoveries. Furthermore, it underscores the impact of the global pandemic on various areas of scientific research, causing unforeseen delays but also inspiring unique nomenclatural tributes such as those seen in these newly discovered insect species.
The naming of these species after the pandemic highlights the intersection of nature and human events, reflecting the profound global influence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, the Trigonopterus corona and Potamophylax coronavirus will henceforth serve as enduring symbols of this challenging era in human history.
