Two new insect species discovered in Al Wathba

ABU DHABI // Two new species of invertebrate were discovered in the capital’s Al Wathba Wetland Reserve during routine seasonal wildlife trapping by researchers from the Environment Agency Abu Dubai.

The gasteruptiid wasp (gasteruption alwathbaense), measuring 11.3mm, and the dance fly (drapetis wathabiensis), measuring 2 to 3mm, have been added to the global list of invertebrates, which are animals that do not have a spine.

“This discovery further enhances Al Wathba Wetland Reserve’s status as a biodiversity hotspot that must remain protected,” said Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, executive director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD.

“EAD is proud of this discovery and will continue to ensure the effective management and monitoring of species, water quality and vegetation on the reserve.”

Dr Andreas Star, from the German Entomological Institute, Senckenberg, identified the dance fly and confirmed the species. Meanwhile, Dr Salim Javed, acting director of Terrestrial Biodiversity, suggested the name dance fly, drapetis wathabiensis, “as it draws on its origin of first discovery, [putting] Al Wathba in the history books for species identification”.

The gasteruptiid wasp (gasteruption alwathbaense) will have its genetic data analysis and DNA sequencing released through the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). It is one of four gasteruptiid wasp species in the UAE.

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which is 45 minutes away from Abu Dhabi city and covers a total area of 5 square kilometres, was declared a protected area by the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, in 1998.

In 2013, it was recognised internationally and declared a Ramsar site, the first in Abu Dhabi emirate.