11/10/2026
⚠️ New Species Alert ⚠️
Scientists have identified a new species of stonefly from the La Mesa Watershed Reservation in Quezon City, showing that species previously unknown to science can still be found within highly urbanized Metro Manila. Named Neoperla lamesae after the watershed where it was discovered, the species was described by researchers affiliated with the University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Otago in New Zealand, and Korea University in South Korea.
The discovery is particularly interesting because stoneflies belong to the insect order Plecoptera, a group closely associated with freshwater environments. Their aquatic immature stages, called nymphs, generally require well-oxygenated water, and many stonefly species are sensitive to pollution and environmental degradation. Because of this sensitivity, stoneflies are commonly included in biological assessments used to evaluate the ecological condition of rivers and streams.
Finding a previously undocumented stonefly species within the La Mesa Watershed highlights the ecological value of one of Metro Manila's most important remaining forest and freshwater environments. However, the presence of N. lamesae alone should not be interpreted as definitive proof that all waterways throughout La Mesa are pristine or pollution-free. Water quality assessments normally consider multiple biological, physical and chemical indicators before conclusions about overall ecosystem health are made.
The discovery also demonstrates how much Philippine biodiversity remains to be scientifically documented, even within the country's largest metropolitan area. Protecting forested watersheds such as La Mesa safeguards not only water resources and green spaces but also freshwater habitats capable of supporting specialized organisms that scientists are still discovering and describing.
Photo: DENR NCR/Facebook via Reymond Salgan
Science Department |
