Scientists have successfully located a rare insect that was thought to have disappeared over 20 years ago. The Behningia baei, a type of mayfly not observed since 2002, was rediscovered in Thailand’s Mae Chaem River this past year.
This rediscovery closes a significant gap in human entomological documentation. Up until now, B. baei had not been spotted in any expedition since its official description in 2006, with no confirmed sightings since 2002. The primary distinction between this research and previous attempts to locate the insect is that the team did not search above for flying adults. Instead, they investigated underwater.
One reason for this approach is that these mayflies generally exist for only a few hours or days in their final form — the form most commonly seen fluttering about in regions where mayflies thrive. However, by utilizing kick nets to disturb the sandy riverbed, the researchers were able to reveal juveniles of the species, known as nymphs, resembling tiny concealed grains of rice in the sand. These juvenile mayflies spend almost their entire lifespan buried in fine sediments, which makes them significantly easier to find than their fleeting adult counterparts.
The rediscovery of this uncommon insect holds significance beyond merely informing scientists of its location. Mayflies play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems by transferring nutrients from algae to fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as vital indicators of a stream or river’s health, as their gills necessitate clean, oxygen-rich water. Therefore, their presence in the Mae Chaem verifies that the river continues to be a thriving habitat.
Future endeavors, such as DNA barcoding, will affirm the species’ identity and eliminate any concealed relatives. The team also plans to examine nearby tributaries prior to the onset of the rainy season. In the meantime, they are educating local students to assist with upcoming surveys. This extensive community participation could convert rare discoveries of insect juveniles into a consistent method of monitoring data concerning the mayflies.
Given the current state of the global climate and the possibility that common agricultural chemicals may be exterminating many insects, this find represents a significant triumph for conservationists.
