Several estimates say that there are at least 7 million animal species in the world, and some even go as high as 8.7 million species. However, out of all that, only 1.2 million species have been discovered. Each year, it is estimated that around 18,000 species are discovered. That just goes to show how many more unexplored areas there are in the world, from the rainforests in the Amazon to the deepest parts of our oceans, there are a still a lot of creatures that we haven't seen or identified. Although it's not an exhaustive list, Discover Mag has selected five of this year's new animal species discovered.
The one that tops their list is the so-called Vampire Wasp of Peru. The scientific name of the new species of Darwin wasp is Capitojoppa amazonica, and it got the nickname 'vampire wasp' because it lays its eggs in hosts like spiders and caterpillars. After hatching, the larvae suck the blood of its host before eating it from the inside out. Truly deserving of its moniker.
(Image credit: Kari Kaunisto)