The Enigma of a Wingless Alien Beetle
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of beetle, Xenomorphon baranowskii, that is missing its forewing casing known as the elytra. This wingless beetle, found in Oaxaca, Mexico, is an evolutionary mystery as all known beetle species have some form of elytra. The researchers speculate that the loss of wings could be a protective measure against strong winds at high elevations. The beetle's winglessness also resembles a phenomenon called paedomorphosis, where adult females retain juvenile features and sometimes lose their wings. This extreme example of paedomorphosis in a male beetle challenges previous understanding and suggests that losing wings could allow the species to occupy a specialized niche. However, little is known about this beetle, and further research is needed to understand its DNA, life history, and female counterparts.