‘Cryptic’ creatures in city parks and critter photos online: See 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.

Take a look at some newly discovered species:

‘Cryptic’ creature at city park went overlooked — until now. It’s a new species

In Guiyang, China, researchers discovered a new species of lizard called the Guizhou ground skink, or Scincella qianica, in a city park. These “cryptic” medium-sized skinks, with their “elongated” heads and “copper-colored” bodies, highlight the biodiversity that can exist in urban environments. | Published Aug. 13 | Read More |

‘Horned’ creature with ‘diamond-shaped’ pupils found at park. It’s a new species

In the Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve in China, scientists identified a new species called the Tongbiguan horned toad, or Xenophrys tongbiguanensis. This medium-sized toad, with its distinctive “diamond-shaped” pupils and “horn-like” bumps, was found near a mountain stream. | Published Aug. 15 | Read More |

‘Large’-eyed creature found in ‘swampy forest’ of Bolivia. It’s a new species

In Bolivia’s Pando Department, researchers identified a new species of frog named James’ tree frog, or Dendropsophus jamesi. This small frog, with its “robust” body and “bronze-brown eyes,” was found in a “swampy forest.” The discovery took nearly two decades due to the lack of reliable information about the region’s frog diversity. | Published Aug. 19 | Read More |

‘Giant’ tree-dwelling tarantula discovered in Brazil rainforest is a new species

In Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, researchers discovered a new genus of tarantulas called Arboriticus, including a giant species named Arboriticus giganteus. These tree-dwelling tarantulas, found in deforested regions, are rare and vulnerable to habitat loss. | Published Aug. 19 | Read More |

Man posts photo of ‘iridescent’ critter on website. It’s a new species in Brazil

In the Caatinga region of Brazil, a new species of katydid named Metallacantha aculeata was identified through photos shared on iNaturalist. This metallic-spined katydid, with its “iridescent shine” and spiny legs, highlights the potential for citizen science to contribute to species discovery. | Published Aug. 20 | Read More |

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

This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM.