- Gondwana Desert Collection/ News



		News 2005 News 14.10.05

Gladiator found at the Canyon - 14.10.05
This is one of the findings of the most recent expedition of the EduVentures initiative to southern Namibia. Living specimens of this predatory insect, nicknamed Gladiator, were first discovered in 2001 on Brandberg Mountain in north-western Namibia. According to experts this was as sensational as if a mammoth had been found alive. Until now it was not known that the insects occur at the Fish River Canyon as well. The ones found there could even be another new species.

15 girls and boys from Windhoek and Katutura took part in the expedition to southern Namibia. In the northern part of Gondwana Cañon Park at the Fish River Canyon they found three Gladiator insects. They are between 2 and 4 cm long, resemble young praying mantis insects, but in contrast to the latter grab their prey with front and middle pairs of legs. Since they could not be classed with any of the 30 known insect orders when they were discovered four years ago, a new order – the first one in 87 years - was established for them: Mantophasmatodea (Heelwalkers).

Gladiator in typical surroundings at the Fish River Canyon.
Photo: EduVentures.

EduVentures is an initiative within the National Museum of Namibia to gather valuable data and get young people excited about nature.

Collecting scientific material at the Fish River Canyon.
Photo: EduVentures


		- For more see our Media Release - More about EduVentures: www.eduventures-africa.org