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From an ant that appears like a dragon to a centipede with 414 legs: these are the ten latest species of 2017

The annual list of the ten strangest latest species discovered within the animal and plant kingdom, conducted by the University of New York, has been supplemented with a mini spider named after a hat from the “Harry Potter” series.

The tenth annual list also features a pink insect that bears a striking resemblance to a leaf, a tomato that appears to bleed when cut, and a spotted stingray.

Nearly 200,000 latest species have been discovered within the ten years because the first list was made in 2008, but experts warn that as extinction rates rise, we risk missing many more species.

The list, compiled by the International Institute for Species Research (IISE) on the State University of New York, includes 4 species present in Asia (India, Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia).

Others on the list are from Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Here are the TOP 10 for 2017:
(In alphabetical order by scientific name)

1. The “Sorting Hat” spider. (Eriovixia gryffindori). Location: India

This tiny spider, lower than 2 mm (one-tenth of an inch) long, takes its name from the enchanted Sorting Hat from JK Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter books. Image via IISE.
The Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter film series
The Sorting Hat within the Harry Potter film series

2. Unexpected Katydid (Eulophyllum kirki). Location: Malaysia

This spectacular new species of katydid was discovered while searching for tarantulas and snakes in Borneo.  Image via IISE.
This spectacular latest species of katydid was discovered while trying to find tarantulas and snakes in Borneo. Image via IISE.

3. Omnivorous root rat (Very slender root). Location: Indonesia

In what appears to be an evolutionary reversal, the newly discovered Sulawesi root rat feeds on both plant and animal matter, making it unique among its strictly carnivorous relatives.  Image via IISE.
In what appears to be an evolutionary reversal, the newly discovered Sulawesi root rat feeds on each plant and animal matter, making it unique amongst its strictly carnivorous relatives. Image via IISE.

A centipede with 414 legs (Illacme Tobini). Location: United States

With 414 legs, this new species has not yet broken the millipede record, but that could change.  These animals add body segments - and legs - throughout their lives.  Image via IISE.
With 414 legs, this latest species has not yet broken the millipede record, but that might change. These animals add body segments – and legs – throughout their lives. Image via IISE.
A new species of centipede found in the unexplored dark marble caves of Sequoia National Park has baffled scientists.  The creature has 414 legs, four
A brand new species of centipede present in the unexplored dark marble caves of Sequoia National Park has baffled scientists. The creature has 414 legs, 4 “penises”, strange-looking mouthparts, and secretes a toxic chemical as a defense mechanism

Ant “Dragon”. (Fidol drug). Location: Papua New Guinea

With their spiny backs that remind scientists of a dragon, this new species of ant is named after Drogon, the fierce black dragon commanded by Daenerys Targaryen in the epic fantasy Game of Thrones.  Image via IISE.
With their spiny backs that remind scientists of a dragon, this latest species of ant is called after Drogon, the fierce black dragon commanded by Daenerys Targaryen within the epic fantasy Game of Thrones. Image via IISE.
Scientists were inspired to name a new species of ant after the dragon
Scientists were inspired to call a brand new species of ant after the dragon “Drogon” from Game of Thrones (pictured) on account of its large and distinctive dragon spines

Freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon rex). Location: Brazil

This large, strikingly patterned freshwater stingray is endemic to the Tocantins River in Brazil.  Image via IISE.
This large, strikingly patterned freshwater stingray is endemic to the Tocantins River in Brazil. Image via IISE.

Floating centipede (Scolopendra cataract). Location: Laos, Thailand and Vietnam

Swimming centipede (Scolopendra cataracta).  Location: Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
This latest centipede is black, has 20 pairs of legs, and grows to a length of as much as 20 cm (about 8 inches). It is the primary species of centipede ever observed that may submerge itself in water and run along the underside in much the identical way because it does on dry land. Image via PUT IT ON.
The venomous centipede has a strong and painful bite and was discovered in Thailand by George Beccaloni of the Natural History Museum in London hiding under a rock
The venomous centipede has a robust and painful bite and was discovered in Thailand by George Beccaloni of the Natural History Museum in London hiding under a rock

Tomato Shrub (Solanum Ossiruento). Location: Australia

The name for this new species was chosen with the help of 150 seventh-grade science students from Pennsylvania.  Young fruits turn blood red when cut, before ripening to a dry and bony state;  therefore the final choice combines the Latin
The name for this latest species was chosen with the assistance of 150 seventh-grade science students from Pennsylvania. Young fruits turn blood red when cut, before ripening to a dry and bony state; subsequently the ultimate alternative combines the Latin “ossi” meaning bony and “cruentum” meaning bloody. Image via IISE.

Endangered orchid (Telepogon diabolicus). Location: Colombia

A new species of critically endangered orchid, Telipogon diabolicus, has a reproductive structure resulting from the fusion of male and female flower parts into one that bears a striking resemblance to representations of a devil's head.  Image via IISE.
A brand new species of critically endangered orchid, Telipogon diabolicus, has a reproductive structure resulting from the fusion of female and male flower parts into one which bears a striking resemblance to representations of a devil’s head. Image via IISE.

It has only been discovered in one location in Colombia, which is currently at risk of road reconstruction that will negatively impact its habitat
It has only been discovered in a single location in Colombia, which is currently vulnerable to road reconstruction that can negatively impact its habitat

Churro sea worm. (Xenoturbella churro). Location: Mexico

Xenoturbella churro, discovered deep in the Gulf of California, 1,722 meters (about 5,600 feet) below the surface, is a 10 cm (4 in) long marine worm, one of six species currently known in this genus.  It is representative of a group of primitive worm-like animals that constitute the earliest branch in the family tree of bilaterally symmetrical animals, including insects and humans.  Image via IISE.
Xenoturbella churro, discovered deep within the Gulf of California, 1,722 meters (about 5,600 feet) below the surface, is a ten cm (4 in) long marine worm, one in every of six species currently known on this genus. It is representative of a bunch of primitive worm-like animals that constitute the earliest branch within the family tree of bilaterally symmetrical animals, including insects and humans. Image via IISE.
The strange pink worm Xenoturbella churro (pictured below), named after the Spanish fried churro dough, was discovered 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) below the waves and may be one of our earliest ancestors
The strange pink worm Xenoturbella churro (pictured below), named after the Spanish fried churro dough, was discovered 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) below the waves and should be one in every of our earliest ancestors

Image caption (© image owner)

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