Australian researchers discover 850 new species

Australian researchers have discovered a large number of new species of invertebrate animals living in underground water, caves and "micro-caverns" amid the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. The national team of 18 researchers discovered 850 new species of invertebrates, including various insects, small crustaceans, spiders, worms and many others. The team, led by Professor Andy Austin (University of Adelaide), Dr Steve Cooper (South Australian Museum) and Dr Bill Humphreys (Western Australian Museum), conducted a comprehensive four-year survey of underground water, caves and micro-caverns across arid and semi-arid Australia. [read more]