From ‘dwarf’ creatures to ‘enormous’ heads: Take a look at some new species

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Learn more about some recent new species discoveries:

26-legged creature — with bristles — found in bamboo forests. See new species

In the forests of eastern China, scientists discovered a new species of bristle millipede called Eudigraphis huadongensis. This tiny millipede, measuring just 0.13 inches long, was found in the leaf litter of broad-leaf and bamboo forests in Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang. The millipede is characterized by its yellowish-brown body, red-brown eyes and distinctive bristle-like appearance created by bundles of trichomes. | Published Aug. 1 | Read More |

‘Dwarf’-like creature found sleeping near Madagascar hotel. It’s a new species

In Madagascar, the Anjajavy dwarf gecko, or Lygodactylus anjajavy, was discovered near the northwestern coast. These geckos, reaching about 2.5 inches in length, were found on tree trunks and sleeping on the tips of thin branches at night. The geckos display a brown-gray coloring with some having dark bands or marbled patterns. They were named after the Anjajavy Lodge where they were first identified. | Published Aug. 4 | Read More |

Red-eyed creature — with ‘enormous’ head — found as new species in China. See it

In the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests of Guilin City, China, researchers found a new species of short-legged toad named Brachytarsophrys guilinensis. This toad is notable for its “enormous,” wide and flat head, rough back skin with scattered warts, and red irises. The toads were discovered in shallow streams, where males were heard calling during the breeding season. | Published Aug. 5 | Read More |

Creature found as roadkill identified as footlong new species in India. See it

In the lush forests of Mizoram, India, the narrow-banded rain snake, or Smithophis leptofasciatus, was identified as a new species. This snake, over 16 inches long, features a shiny dark body with narrow creamish-white or yellowish-lime bands and was found near streams and under leaf litter. Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity. | Published Aug. 6 | Read More |

‘Muscular’ creature with ‘thick neck’ found sleeping in tree. It’s a new species

In the mountain forests of Vietnam, the jade tree snake, or Gonyosoma iadinum, was discovered. This medium-sized snake, up to 3 feet, 5 inches long, has a slender, “muscular” body with a “thick neck” and elongated head. It was found sleeping in trees overhanging paths. The snake’s bright green to bluish-green coloring helps it blend into its closed-canopy evergreen forest habitat. | Published Aug. 7 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow rare animals, new behaviors and even new species. Check back for the latest stories.