Lhasella potala Zhou, Da, Zahradnik & Bai 2025, sp. nov.

A new beetle species, Lhasella potala, has been discovered within the wooden structures of the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lhasa, China. This species is characterized by its distinctive antennomeres V and VII, which are enlarged and strongly serrated, setting it apart from other known Ptinidae beetles. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of historic wooden structures as habitats for biodiversity. Researchers described the species' morphology, including its reddish-brown body with yellowish-brown pubescence, long and slim legs, and sexual dimorphism in antennae. The study also documented the larvae's role in degrading wood, contributing to our understanding of beetle-wood interactions in culturally significant sites.

Zhou, X., Pubu, Z., Zhang, W., Shen, R., Da, W., Gongga, Z., Zhaxi, P., & Bai, M. (2025). Lhasella potala Zhou, Da, Zahradnik & Bai 2025, sp. nov. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.19198039