Monoceromyia ndidiae fly species discovered in Dominican Republic

A new species of flower fly, named ‘Monoceromyia ndidiae’, has been discovered in the Dominican Republic’s Valle Nuevo National Park. The discovery originated from a photograph taken by nutritionist and photography enthusiast Franklin Howley Dumit Serulle, which he uploaded to the citizen science platform iNaturalist.

The image prompted scientific interest, leading researchers to capture a specimen using a light trap in the national park. Subsequent analysis conducted at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland confirmed that the insect was a previously unknown species.

Belonging to the syrphid family, the fly features yellow and orange coloration that mimics wasps to deter predators. Despite its appearance, the insect is harmless and does not sting. The Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences (SCNAT) named the insect the ‘New Species of the Year’ in May.