New species discovered in 2015
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, the California Academy of Sciences is out with a list of 102 never-before-seen species of animals and plants discovered in 2015.
"Biodiversity scientists estimate that we have discovered less than 10% of the species on our planet," says Dr. Meg Lowman, the Academy's Chief of Science and Sustainability. "Academy scientists tirelessly explore the unexplored regions of Earth -- not only to discover new species, but also to uncover the importance of these species to the health of our natural systems."
One of the newly discovered species is this electric ray, known by the Latin name Tetronarce cowleyi. The Academy describes it as a shiny black-topped, cream-bottomed predator that glides along the seafloor at depths of nearly 500 feet.
Tetronarce cowleyi electric ray
Another view of the newly discovered electric ray Tetronarce cowleyi, which was found in the southeastern Atlantic. The ray can discharge a powerful electric shock of 45 volts to paralyze its prey -- "enough to knock down a human adult!" said co-discoverer Dr. David Ebert.
Tetronarce cowleyi electric ray
A full-body view of the electric ray Tetronarce cowleyi, which feeds on bony fish and small sharks.
Ant from genus Prionopelta Dracula
Six new species of so-called Dracula ants were discovered in Madagascar and Seychelles. The California Academy of Sciences says these tiny, subterranean ants are known for hunting down prey with dagger-like teeth.
They live in underground tunnels and some go their entire lives without ever glimpsing sunlight.
Ant from genus Prionopelta Dracula
"There is a reason we call these strange Prionopelta ants 'Dracula,'" said Dr. Brian Fisher, who discovered the tiny, subterranean species in Madagascar. "They are known to wound the young of their colonies before drinking their blood -- called 'hemolymph' in insects. It's a bizarre but fascinating means of distributing nutrients throughout the colony."
Cardioglossa congolia frog
The Cardioglossa congolia is one of two new frog species highlighted by the California Academy of Sciences.
Chimaera carophila ghost shark
This so-called ghost shark, Chimaera carophila, was found in the waters of New Zealand.
Chelidonura alexisi nudibranch
Scientists documented several new species of nudibranch -- a type of sea slugs useful for biomedical research.
The Chelidonura alexisi nudibranch, which is black with tiny white spots, was first described from a deceased specimen found in 2011, but in 2015 researchers encountered a live example in the Philippines.
Chelidonura alexisi nudibranch
The Chelidonura alexisi nudibranch was found during an expedition led by Dr. Terry Gosliner in the tropical waters of the Philippines.
"Whether we're finding new species or adding to our understanding of previously known creatures and habitats, these expeditions help us pinpoint how and where to focus protection efforts," Gosliner said in a statement.
Doto africoronata nudibranch
Another colorful nudibranch species discovered in 2015.
Doto greenamyerinew nudibranch
Another colorful nudibranch species discovered in 2015.
Bythaelurus naylori catshark
This new species of deep-sea catshark was found in the southwestern Indian Ocean.
Chaetodactyla rainioae beetle
A previously unknown beetle species found in 2015.
Milnesium genus water bear
"Water bear" is a cuddly name for a microscopic water-dwelling organism with eight legs topped by tiny claws, as seen in this artist's rendering.
Navigobius vittaus dartfish
The newly discovered dartfish species Navigobius vittaus.
Odontonema aliciae flowering plant
The flowering Odontonema aliciae is one of the plants on the California Academy of Sciences' list of species discovered in 2015.
Odontonema aliciae pollen
A microscopic image of grains of pollen from the newly discovered flowering plant Odontonema aliciae.
Pseudomegachasma fossil
This fossilized tooth is from a "new" species estimated to be about 100 million years old. The previously unknown type of prehistoric shark has been dubbed Pseudomegachasma or "False Megamouth." Scientists believe it fed on plankton.
Scaphinotos hoodooensis beetle
Another newly discovered species of beetle.
Doto splendidisima nudibranch
Another newly discovered species of nudibranch, or sea slug: the pink-and-orange Doto splendidisim.
Pison amabile sand wasp
A new sand wasp species found in 2015.
Pseudoscolia aequatoria sand wasp
Another newly discovered sand wasp.
Read more: Ghost sharks, Dracula ants, and other new species discovered in 2015