Scientists have discovered a new population of a critically endangered beetle, the Canterbury Knobbled weevil, in New Zealand’s Ashburton-Lakes area.
This exciting find marks the first sighting of the beetle outside its known habitat in over 20 years. The Department of Conservation says this discovery could help save the species, which was once thought to be extinct.
Naturalist John Evans stumbled upon three of the beetles while clearing traps last year. Evans, an experienced farmer, immediately recognised the weevils as unusual. “I took a photo and thought, ‘this is big,’” he said. He shared his find online, which caught the attention of experts and sparked a flurry of activity.
Soon after, DOC staff visited the site and found 41 more weevils within a few hours—a surprising number for such a rare insect. “It’s magnificent news,” said DOC advisor Warren Chinn. The beetles were confirmed to be Canterbury Knobbled weevils, adding a second known location for the species.
Previously, the only known population lived in Burkes Pass, 80 kilometres away, where they were rediscovered in 2004 after being thought extinct. The new population gives hope for the species’ survival.
DOC now plans to protect the beetles by setting up fences to keep out herbivores like rabbits and hares and tracking predators like hedgehogs. “This find is like discovering a lost treasure,” said Chinn.
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