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:
The worm is iridescent and about 7 inches long, researchers said. Zhou Y, Zhang R, Shen C, Mao Q, Zhang M, Zhang D (2025) ZooKeys
Deep-sea creature — waiting in ‘glass sponges’ to ambush — is new species in Pacific
Off the southern coast of Japan, a new species of marine bristle worm, Eunice siphoninsidiator, was discovered living within the structure of glass sponges. These tube ambushing worms were found at depths of around 3,720 feet, showcasing iridescent bodies and dark brown mandibles. The discovery marks the first documented case of a eunicid inhabiting deep-sea sponges.
The head of an Ovophis zhaoermii, or Guanyinshan mountain pit viper. Photos from Liu, Hou, Mo, Li, Li, Luo, Rao and Li (2025)
2-foot-long predator — with ‘mesh pattern’ on its eyes — discovered as new species
In the Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve of southern China, researchers discovered a new species of pit viper named Ovophis zhaoermii. These “slender” vipers, with their distinctive mesh-patterned eyes, were found beside streams at night. The species is named in honor of the late Ermi Zhao, a renowned Chinese herpetologist.
A Sebastapistes monospina, or tropical single-spined scorpionfish. Photo from J. E. Randall via Cabebe-Barnuevo and Motomura (2025)
‘Large’-eyed sea creature — with ‘canine-like’ teeth — discovered as new species
In the South Pacific Ocean, a bright red sea creature known as Sebastapistes monospina, or the tropical single-spined scorpionfish, was identified as a new species. Found in shallow coral and rocky reef environments, these fish have “large” eyes and sharp, “canine-like” teeth. The species was discovered by re-examining old scorpionfish specimens collected in the 1970s.
A Cyrtodactylus chitwanensis, or Chitwan bent-toed gecko. Photo from Akshay Khandekar
‘Long’-limbed creature with ‘bent’ toes found on walking trail. It’s a new species
In central Nepal, scientists identified a new species called Cyrtodactylus chitwanensis, or the Chitwan bent-toed gecko, during their wildlife survey. Found on rocks and in caves at night, these geckos have “slender” bodies and “long” limbs, with distinctive yellow-brown coloring. The species was named after the Chitwan District, one of the areas where it was found.
A Cyrtodactylus karanshahi, or Karan’s bent-toed gecko. Photo from Santosh Bhattarai, shared by Akshay Khandekar
‘Long’-fingered creature found lurking on walking trail in Nepal. It’s a new species
In the Manaslu Conservation Area of northern Nepal, researchers discovered a new species of gecko named Cyrtodactylus karanshahi, or Karan’s bent-toed gecko. This “medium-sized” gecko, with its “slender” body and “long” fingers, was found during a nighttime hike along a walking trail. The gecko’s unique features and genetic divergence from related species led to its classification as a new species.
Inside deep-sea coral in the Pacific, an iridescent creature waits in ambush. Zhou Y, Zhang R, Shen C, Mao Q, Zhang M, Zhang D (2025) ZooKeys