Scientific discoveries reveal new beetle species in Ecuador and dinosaur tracks in Argentina

Researchers have announced two significant biological and paleontological findings in South America. In Ecuador, a new beetle species named Lebia urkumanta has been discovered in the high-altitude paramos of Pichincha and Imbabura. Found at elevations exceeding 3,700 meters near the Cayambe and Mojanda volcanoes, this species exhibits brachyptery, meaning its wings are significantly reduced to about one-eighth of its body length, rendering it nearly flightless.

In Argentina, paleontologists have identified dinosaur footprints preserved in Cretaceous rock within the Neuquén Basin. Located near Chos Malal, the tracks were found in wind-deposited sediments of the Agrio Formation. The study, published in Historical Biology, documented at least 23 tracks, including those attributed to sauropods and thyreophorans, providing insight into the prehistoric environment of the region.