Lightless World’s Top Predator

13 Aug 2012

*Tepui, or flat-topped mountain, in Venezuela. Photo by: Rhett A. Butler.*

Scientist’s have recently discovered a creature considered to be the the lion of the cave! Unexpectedly, this top predator is a Venezuelan cricket!

This large, meat-eating cricket was discovered on a tepui, or table-top mountain, in Venezuela.
These little guys are actually top predators! They have adapted to become the ultimate hunter in pure darkness.
Although this new found species is yet to be officially described, it is known to hunt on both land and water. Bugs beware – there’s nowhere you are safe!
The discoveries will be highlighted in BBC’s upcoming The Dark: Nature’s Nighttime World, although video of the cricket can now be seen on their website.

Want to learn more? Read the full story: ‘The lion of the cave:’ new predatory, swimming cricket discovered in Venezuela

Cite this article

(2012). Lightless World’s Top Predator. Mongabay Conservation news. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66709/news-246

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