“Cara De Niño,” meaning “child’s face” in Spanish, refers to a group of insects in Mexico known for their prominent mandibles and reddish bodies. These unique creatures, belonging to the Orthoptera order which includes grasshoppers and crickets, often inspire fear and misunderstanding. However, a team of researchers at the UNAM’s Institute of Biology (IB) is working to change that perception and fund crucial research through an unconventional approach: auctioning off the naming rights to four newly discovered cara de niño species.
Leading this initiative is Alejandro Zaldívar Riverón, a biologist specializing in insect systematics and evolution. Zaldívar, along with his team of postdoctoral researchers and students, has identified four distinct species of cara de niño in various regions of Central Mexico, including Mexico City, Tlaxcala, Michoacán, and Querétaro. Instead of following traditional scientific naming conventions, they are offering the opportunity to name these species to the highest bidder.
This novel fundraising effort aims to address the limited resources available for basic scientific research in Mexico. “As researchers, we have to seek resources wherever possible, especially in basic science where funding is often scarce,” explains Zaldívar. The team hopes this auction will not only generate much-needed financial support but also raise awareness about the importance of insect conservation and combat the negative reputation of cara de niño insects. Many people mistakenly believe these creatures are dangerous and kill them unnecessarily. Zaldívar sees this auction as a “springboard to raise awareness, especially among decision-makers and companies who can significantly influence conservation efforts.”
The auction, scheduled for mid-August at the UNAM’s Biodiversity Pavilion, will allow winners to leave a lasting legacy by bestowing a unique name upon each species. While creative naming is encouraged, offensive or inappropriate suggestions will be disqualified. All proceeds will be donated to the university and are tax-deductible.
The funds raised will enable the research team to conduct further field expeditions to collect more specimens and perform genomic studies to delve deeper into the evolutionary history of these fascinating insects. These studies will contribute valuable knowledge to the field of entomology and shed light on the biodiversity of Central Mexico. By combining scientific discovery with an innovative fundraising strategy, the cara de niño auction promises to be a significant step toward understanding and protecting these often-misunderstood creatures. The team hopes to set a precedent for future research funding while fostering a greater appreciation for the vital role insects play in our ecosystem.
