Researchers studying life in the caves of Bermuda have verified the discovery of a new species of tiny crustacean.

Findings recently published in the scientific journal ZooKeys said that the copepod was first collected in 2016 but confirmed to be an entirely new species, named Tetragoniceps bermudensis, only last year.

Leocadio Blanco-Bercial, an ecologist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, said: “This is one beautiful example of the hidden richness that remains to be discovered in Bermuda.

“The island’s caves are home to a unique community of living organisms — some known, many still unknown.

“These creatures may not be easy to spot with the naked eye but they call these caves their only home on Earth.

“While perhaps not as charismatic or colourful as corals or the cahow, these cave-dwelling organisms deserve the same attention and admiration.

“They are highly specialised — adapted to life in darkness, in tight crevices and still waters — and they are incredibly resilient.”

Dr Blanco-Bercial said that he and other researchers came across the new species while investigating a “biodiversity hotspot” in the Walsingham cave system for a separate project.

“What fascinates me is that despite decades of research by many colleagues, so many species remain undescribed, thriving in ‘plain sight’ in these pools,” he said.

“I can only imagine what else is waiting to be discovered, especially since only a few organismal groups have been studied in depth.

“These caves truly are biological treasure troves, and I’m grateful the Bermuda Government offers them strong protection.”

The recently published paper said that the single adult egg-bearing female of the new species was found in a tidal pool in the “roadside cave”, located about 110 metres from Harrington Sound.

The animal was described as being only 750 microns in length — three quarters of a millimetre.

Researchers have previously identified at least 79 native species in Bermuda’s caves, including 67 crustaceans.

“Of these, 21 species are copepods,” the paper said. “Their distribution across 15 genera denotes multiple independent colonisation events since the Pleistocene formation of Bermuda’s anchialine cave system, most likely from deep-water crevicular habitats in the island’s volcanic bedrock.”

The paper said the single known location of the crustacean suggests that it is likely endemic to the island, highlighting the need for conservation of the island’s caves.

“Although roadside cave is in a relatively undisturbed area, persistent threats include urban development, vandalism, dumping, littering, and pollution and sediment disturbance due to unlawful access by humans and domesticated animals,” the paper explained.

“These risks emphasise the need for formal protection of roadside cave and for robust enforcement of existing measures for the safeguard of Bermuda’s anchialine fauna.”

Dr Blanco-Bercial said that while Tetragoniceps bermudensis is tiny, he hoped to use enlarged 3D-printed models to help showcase the species.

“Even with photographs, it can be difficult to engage the public, but now we can offer a physical way to interact with these animals,” he said.

“This particular creature is smaller than a grain of rice, but with 3D printing, we can turn it into a several-inch-long figurine.

“Being able to hold a model of the animal in your hand — even if it’s just plastic or resin — can transform the experience for visitors, school groups and colleagues alike.

“It makes a difference.”