In Belize we always knew we held hidden wonders, however small. One such wonder was found in the tropical rainforests of southern Belize. Scientists from the University of Illinois recently discovered the Ripipteryx mopana.
It is a small grasshopper like insect, and as the first of this species, the insect was named after Mopan Maya who is native to that region. It is tiny, measuring less than 5 millimeters in length, which is smaller than half of a 5 cent coin. So how does something so minuscule stay safe?
Well, it escapes predators by using its large jumping hind legs. It is really quite amazing, and Sam Heads, the study researcher, noted that it is likely that there are new species which still have not been discovered in Belize, especially in the areas that have been less explored.
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