The terrible hairy fly, one of the hairiest - and rarest - flies in the world was rediscovered in a cave in Kenya. This was the first specimen of the terrible hairy fly to be collected by researchers since 1948.
Dr Robert Copeland and fellow scientist Dr Ashley Kirk-Spriggs found the fly, which is known as Mormotomyia Hirsuta in the scientific community. Its only known habitat is a cave-like rock cleft in Ukazi Hill east of Nairobi, Kenya, where it was found.
"The re-discovery of the species, which has been collected on only two occasions before, in 1933 and 1948, has caused excitement in insect museums world-wide," a statement said. It may be exciting, but it doesn't make the little fly any less ugly. It'd be interesting to know why the terrible hairy fly is so hairy and also why it is so terrible.
The discovery was led by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. This is an organisation which aims to reduce poverty and improve health and food security by enhancing tropical African countries' ability to harness their natural resources through the study of insects.
The spider-like fly is described as "strange, due to its relatively large size, the males of which can stretch over one centimetre its long legs and covering of yellow hairs, reduced eyes and its non-functional wings."
"Since Mormotomyia cannot fly, there is a strong possibility that it is really restricted to this tiny habitat," Dr Copeland said.
"If that is the case, it would be wonderful if the entire Ukazi Hill, on which it is found, were declared a national heritage area and given suitable conservation protection," he added.
This little critter is so weird looking and odd. Do you wonder what its purpose is? It must have a purpose of some sort, but it's hard to figure out exactly what it is.
Photo credit: Telegraph
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