A beetle with bizarre, bottle opener-shaped genitalia was discovered by researchers in Denmark and named, naturally, for one of the nation’s favorite brews: Carlsberg.
Meet the Loncovilius carlsbergi, a species whose “remarkably” shaped penis — found at the back of its body — fascinated researchers from the museum.
That appendage, after all, is a hallmark way to identify a bug.
“Genitalia are the organs in insects that evolve to be different in every species,” according to Natural History Museum of Denmark biologist Aslak Kappel Hansen, who was instrumental in the find. “That’s why entomologists like us are always quick to examine insect genitalia when describing a species.”
As for the naming convention, that was a simple decision.
“We thought it is obvious to dedicate this species to the Carlsberg Foundation, which has generously supported independent research for many years,”
A shroud of mystery still cloaks much about the unique, flower-clinging carlsbergi — most beetles of their sort live on fungi or dead leaves — and they are native to Chile and Argentina.
“We suspect that they play an important role in the ecosystem,” biodiversity expert Josh Jenkins Shaw said of the insect, which measures about 1 centimeter long and has a 1-millimeter-long special place. “So, it’s worrying that nearly nothing is known about this type of beetles, especially when they’re so easy to spot – and some of them are even quite beautiful.”
Experts also fear that the beetle is facing shrinkage — of its population.
“Our simulations demonstrate that at least three of the Loncovilius species are at risk because the rapidly changing climate strongly alternate more than half of their habitat area by 2060,” added José L. Reyes-Hernández, who led a study on the insect.
While its fun name may appeal to the beer crowd, the beetle’s commercialization might also protect the species’ members.
“It is estimated that as many as 85% of all species on Earth are still not formally named and described. Many species go extinct without ever having been named or recognized by science and as a consequence by humanity as a whole,” Shaw said.
He also stressed that a “name is important because nature conservation relies on knowledge about species in particular areas. Without such a description, species are often left out of conservation efforts.”
As part of the beetle’s Danish invasion, the museum cast a replica of the Loncovilius carlsbergi genitals into stainless steel to create — you guessed it — a bottle opener.
The researchers hope that the bug’s penis might spark a broader, enlightening interest in insects.
“It’s important that we recognize the vast wealth of yet-to-be-researched species around us before it’s too late,” said Hansen. “A move towards serious learning and awareness may be sparkled by a light chat that takes place over a beer.”
