New Insect Species Discovered in Serbia Named After Ivana Španović: Biologists Celebrate, Nature Fights for Survival!
Imagine this: deep in the dark, damp caves of the Pešter plateau, far from the light and noise of the world, hides a tiny golden beetle, only four millimeters in size. This tiny insect, which has lived in complete darkness for centuries, has finally been discovered and given a name that will resonate – Remyella spanovicae, named after one of Serbia’s greatest sports heroes, Ivana Španović!
How Did This Discovery Happen?
Two years ago, a team of Serbian biologists led by Dr. Nikola Vesović embarked on an expedition to a cave near the spring of the Đerekarska River, in southwestern Serbia, close to the border with Montenegro. They set insect traps in complete darkness, at over 1,000 meters above sea level, in damp limestone conditions. When they returned, they had a surprise – dozens of specimens of a newly discovered beetle species, which they carefully collected and studied.
Why Is This Important?
This new species is stenoendemic, meaning it is known only from this single location. It’s like finding a unique natural gem that exists only in one place in the world! Such species are extremely important for science because they help us understand evolution and adaptation of life in extreme conditions, like the eternal darkness of caves.
Interestingly, this insect doesn’t even have remnants of eyes – evolution has done its work, as eyes are useless in complete darkness. Instead, the insect has developed elongated legs and antennae covered with sensitive hairs that help it sense its surroundings and find food.
Why Ivana Španović?
Ivana Španović, our multiple champion in long jump, has won numerous medals at world and European championships, including a gold medal in Budapest and a bronze at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Nikola Vesović and his team decided to honor her by naming the new species after her – as recognition of her outstanding sports achievements and as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
This is not the first time a new insect species in Serbia has been named after an athlete – before Ivana, one species was named after Novak Djokovic, creating a sort of tradition for the research team.
What Does This Tell Us About Nature and Science?
Discovering a new species in Europe is not an everyday event. In a time when climate change and human activity threaten natural habitats, such discoveries are precious. They show how diverse nature is and how much we still don’t know about the world around us.
Dr. Vesović emphasizes that it is important for the public to be aware of these findings so we can better understand and protect our natural beauties. Every new discovery is a reminder that nature still holds its secrets and that it is our responsibility to preserve them.
What’s Next?
Biologists expect that soon a third insect species will be named after one of our sports heroes. Who will be next? Maybe Nikola Jokić or another hero from the field? Anything is possible!
Conclusion
While the world watches big sports arenas, in the silence of Serbia’s caves, nature writes its stories. Stories of survival, adaptation, and the inexhaustible power of life. Ivana Španović now has not only medals but also a tiny golden beetle that bears her name – a symbol of eternal struggle and triumph.
And you? Did you know that such little secrets are hidden in Serbia? Maybe it’s time to pay more attention to the nature around us. Or to joke – next time Ivana jumps far, maybe it will be thanks to her insect namesake! If you have a funny suggestion for the next species’ name, feel free to share it in the comments – who knows, maybe you’ll be part of scientific history!
Source: Danas.rs, BBC News Serbian
