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    • Dec 29, 2017

New clearwing moth species discovered in Thailand’s jungle!



Aschistophleps argentifasciata was named after a strongly light-reflecting, silver band on the abdomen (latin argentum [silver] and fascia [band]). The silver abdominal band along with narrow, transparent wings, tufted hind legs and a tapered abdomen gives it a bee-like appearance. In flight, it leaves its hind, tufted legs hanging downwards. The discovery has been published in Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology (2018) 21: 279-282.

SkowronVolponi_A new species of bee-mimi
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    • Nov 13, 2017

Establishing CLEARWING FOUNDATION FOR BIODIVERSITY




Our company and team members are environmentally conscious. BioVentures Institute’s patented technology has a potentially high impact on environment monitoring, remediation and protection. As a continuation of Bioventures Institute’s 5-year plus cooperation with the Malaysian biotechnology holding, Revongen Corporation, the ClearWing Foundation for Biodiversity was founded (https://www.clearwingfound.com/en_GB/). The foundation was established by two founders: BioVentures Institute Chairman and CEO - professor Piotr Skowron and CEO of Revongen – Mr EL Law who appointed the Foundation Board: the Chairman, an Italian nature/documentary filmmaker – Mr Paolo Volponi and the Vice-chairman, a recognised entomologist – dr Marta Skowron Volponi. The foundation is actively pursuing biodiversity exploration and protection, which has resulted, among others, in the discovery of 5 new clearwing moth species in Malaysia and Thailand, as well as a rediscovery of a metallic blue Asian clearwing moth species, which was considered extinct for 130 years. Dr Marta Skowron Volponi’s discovery was recognised worldwide and featured in numerous articles, including one by Science (http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/researchers-find-moth-last-seen-130-years-ago). In BioVentures Institute we care about the environment and biodiversity loss. We understand biodiversity is important because it protects the integrity of ecosystems. We remember that we share this planet with some 1.3 million other species - and those are just the ones we know about. It’s been estimated that we have discovered less than 20% of the total species on Earth, out of 8.7 million predicted to exist. That is why, together with ClearWing Foundation for Biodiversity, we support biodiversity protection, at the same time being aware of the environmental challenges of our times. Through research projects and education campaigns aimed at increasing knowledge of the natural world, we spread awareness of the importance of its conservation through direct action on both a local and global scale.





    • Oct 9, 2017

Rediscovery of a ‘lost’ species after 130 years in the Malaysian rainforest!



Heterosphecia tawonoides Kallies, a ‘‘lost’’ species of clearwing moth known only from a single specimen from 1887 (the holotype, which is missing important morphological features), was observed and filmed for the first time in its natural habitat. Our studies have shown that it is associated with Malaysian primary lowland dipterocarp forests, ecosystems which are vanishing rapidly due to extensive human activity. This is the first record of Heterosphecia tawonoides in Malaysia. Behavioral aspects, such as mud-puddling among bees and acoustic mimicry, are discussed in our article (Tropical Conservation Science (2017) 10:1-7) and shown in a video. A morphological redescription, including features visible on live individuals only, is provided. The DNA barcode sequence is given, with comparison to closely related species. The rediscovery has brought worldwide attention, including Science magazine, major news press relaeses and interviews of the lead scientist – dr Marta Skowron Volponi:


Science: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/researchers-find-moth-last-seen-130-years-ago

Global Wildlife Conservation: https://www.globalwildlife.org/press-room/bee-mimicking-clearwing-moth-buzzes-back-to-life-after-130-years/)


InSitu Science: https://insituscience.com/2017/11/29/bee-mimicking-moth-rediscovered-after-130-years/

The Scientist: https://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/51186/title/Image-Of-The-Day–Moth-Resurrection/


The Dodo: https://www.thedodo.com/in-the-wild/oriental-blue-clearwing-moth-rediscovered-malaysia

Atlas Obscuara: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/found-bee-mimicking-moth-heterosphecia-tawonoides


Asia Research News: https://www.researchsea.com/html/article.php/aid/11290/cid/1/research/science/researchsea/bee-mimicking_clearwing_moth_buzzes_back_to_life_after_130_years__.html

Tropical Conservation Science
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