Revolutionary X-ray Technique Unveils 12 New Weevil Species

__**Entomologist Jake Lewis**__ from the **Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)** has pioneered the use of _x-ray microtomography_ to discover and classify 12 new species of weevils. These beetles, known for their ecological roles and, sometimes, as pests, have been revealed in regions like Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. In a groundbreaking approach, Lewis's team digitally removed the scale coverings of the weevil's cuticle, unveiling unique morphological differences not visible through traditional methods. This technique, used alongside light microscopy and DNA barcoding, allowed the classification and naming of these new species, including two from Japan: *Aphanerostethus magnus* and *Aphanerostethus japonicus*. Remarkably, this study marks the first use of x-ray microtomography to explore scale-covered weevils for taxonomy. The technology's ability to non-destructively examine weevils' hindwings elucidates variations in wing reduction among species, offering a window into evolutionary changes within this group. Such methods have potential implications for understanding biodiversity and taxonomy, emphasizing the value of specimen collections in conservation and research.