Scientists have discovered dozens of new animal species in Angola, including a fluorescent spider and an armored cricket. The species were found during an expedition to the remote Lisima Plateau, a region that remained unknown for a long time.
Source: Reuters
An expedition to the remote Lisima Plateau in eastern Angola has uncovered a range of unknown species. The Wilderness Project research took place in February 2026 and aimed to map the biodiversity of the landscape.
Due to the almost impenetrable geography and the devastating civil war, access to the Lisima Plateau remained hindered for years. Researchers described the area as “one of Africa’s last great biodiversity blind spots”.
A team of 16 African and international specialists has now managed to take the most detailed photo of the plateau to date. In doing so, they discovered several new animal species.
Ecological threats
The unique finds included an armored cricket, an undescribed species of copper caterpillar and a crowned crab spider that fluoresces under ultraviolet light. Researchers also found eight new species of dragonflies, three unknown grasshoppers, 60 new butterflies and a venomous blood orange orb weaver spider. This spider imitates ladybugs by using the same bright color to let predators know that it is poisonous.
Scientists are trying to map as many species as possible worldwide now that millions of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. They estimate that there are about 8.7 million species, of which only 1.5 million have been identified. Due to human activities such as deforestation, many species are disappearing at a record pace. Since 1500, it is estimated that more than 800 animal species have become extinct.