DISCOVERY: New species of insect found in caves of Spain

SCIENTISTS have discovered a new type of insect in the Nerja Caves.
Researchers from the Autonomous University of Madrid found the porcellio narixae, a small, dark violet brown insect in the caves.
Julio Cifuentes, who discovered the new type, has now published his findings in the latest edition of the Spanish Society of Etymology’s paper.  Mr Cifuentes said the insect came from the genus porcellionidae, of which woodlice are members, which is known to dwell in caves.  He added he named his discovery narixae from the Arabic word Narixa from which Nerja gets its name.
The find came as part of work carried out inside the caves since 2000 under the supervision of Alberto Tinaut.  The project saw insect “traps” used to gain a sample of the porcellio narixae.  Mr Cifuentes explained the original insect found has now been preserved in alcohol and is stored at the university in Madrid.