‘Dangerous’ biting creatures and prehistoric ‘gentle giant’: See the latest new species

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Learn more about some of the best new discoveries:

Elusive 2-foot-long predator — with ‘dangerous’ bite — discovered as new species

In the rocky landscapes of Laos, scientists discovered a new species of snake called the Vang Vieng lance-headed pit viper. This elusive predator, known for its “dangerous” bite, was found during wildlife surveys in the Vang Vieng District. The snake’s unique features include a yellow-tinged snout and a “lance-shaped pattern” on its back. | Published Feb. 26 | Read More |

Pregnant mountain creature with ‘triangular’ head found in China. It’s a new species

In the mountains of southern China, researchers identified a new species of frog known as the white-lined leaf litter toad. This small amphibian, with its “triangular” head and “large” copper and silver eyes, was discovered near mountain streams in Yunnan Province. The species is named for its distinctive white-edged markings. | Published Feb. 27 | Read More |

Orange deep-sea creature — with ‘dense’ eyelashes — discovered as new species

Off the coast of Costa Rica, scientists aboard a research vessel discovered a new species of squat lobster named the Cocos Island squat lobster. This pale, lobster-like creature, with its “dense” eyelashes and spiny body, was found at a depth of about 2,700 feet. The species is named after Cocos Island, where it was first discovered. | Published Feb. 27 | Read More |

‘Golden’ cave creature — with ‘large’ eyes — discovered in China. See the new species

In the caves of Guizhou Province, China, researchers found a new species of fish called the Xingren golden-lined fish. This nearly 6-inch-long fish, with its “golden yellow” body and “large” eyes, was discovered in the dark waters of caves near Xingren City. The species is believed to be undergoing a gradual evolutionary process toward cave adaptation. | Published Feb. 28 | Read More |

Prehistoric ‘gentle giant’ — nearly 23 feet long — found in Argentina. See new species

In the Anacleto Formation of northern Patagonia, Argentina, paleontologists uncovered a new species of titanosaur named Chadititan calvoi. This “gentle giant,” measuring nearly 23 feet long, was discovered alongside other prehistoric life evidence, enriching our understanding of ancient ecosystems. The fossils date back roughly 78 million years. | Published March 5 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.

This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 7:33 AM with the headline "‘Dangerous’ biting creatures and prehistoric ‘gentle giant’: See the latest new species."