Unveiling Singapore's Hidden Biodiversity: The Discovery of 115 New Fungus Gnat Species

In a remarkable achievement for biodiversity research, scientists have documented 120 species of fungus gnats, known scientifically as Mycetophilidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha), across Singapore's compact 730 square kilometers. Of these, an astonishing 115 represent entirely new species to science, marking the first comprehensive inventory of this insect family in the city-state. This discovery underscores Singapore's status as a hotspot for undiscovered life, even amidst rapid urbanization, and highlights the critical role of university-led initiatives in uncovering 'dark biodiversity'—those poorly studied groups that form the backbone of ecosystems.

The study, published on December 30, 2025, in Integrative Systematics: Stuttgart Contributions to Natural History, was spearheaded by an international team hosted by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It began in 2012, culminating in the analysis of 1,454 specimens collected over more than a decade. This effort not only expands the known Oriental Mycetophilidae fauna by 25% but also sets a new standard for taxonomic research in tropical urban environments.

Understanding Fungus Gnats: Tiny Architects of Forest Ecosystems

Fungus gnats, or Mycetophilidae, are small flies typically measuring just a few millimeters in length, belonging to the order Diptera (true flies). Adults are delicate, with long legs, antennae, and wings often adorned with intricate patterns. Their larvae, however, are the ecological powerhouses: legless, translucent maggots that inhabit moist, decaying organic matter, particularly fungi. They feed on fungal mycelia and spores, facilitating decomposition, nutrient recycling, and spore dispersal—essential processes that sustain forest health.

In tropical settings like Singapore, these insects thrive in humid microhabitats, forming tight associations with diverse fungal communities. While some species are nuisance pests in greenhouses, attacking plant roots, the majority play beneficial roles. Their abundance and specificity make them potential bioindicators for habitat quality, signaling disruptions in fungal networks from pollution or development. The lifecycle unfolds rapidly: eggs laid near fungi hatch into larvae within days, pupating after weeks, with adults emerging to mate and restart the cycle, often bioluminescent in some temperate relatives but adapted for dark understories here.

The Research Journey: From Traps to Taxonomic Breakthroughs

The project employed 'dark taxonomy,' an innovative protocol combining high-throughput DNA barcoding with morphological analysis to tackle the taxonomic impediment in hyperdiverse groups. Specimens were captured using malaise traps, yellow pan traps, and hand-netting in targeted sites from 2012 onward. DNA from over 1,000 legs was sequenced for the COI gene barcode, clustering into morphospecies verified under microscopes for genital structures—a key diagnostic in flies.

• Step 1: Field collection in diverse habitats like primary forests (e.g., Bukit Timah), swamp forests (Nee Soon), mangroves (Sungei Buloh), and urban parks.
• Step 2: Lab sorting via DNA barcoding to flag 120 clusters.
• Step 3: Morphological revision by experts, describing 115 new taxa.
• Step 4: Etymologies and depositions in NUS museum collections.

Led by Prof. Dalton de Souza Amorim from the University of São Paulo—a world authority on fungus gnats—and NUS's Dr. Ang Yuchen, senior curator of insects at LKCNHM, the team included experts from Germany and Norway. This integrative approach overcame traditional bottlenecks, proving scalable for other 'dark' taxa.

Diverse Habitats Hosting Singapore's Fungus Gnat Riches

Singapore's fragmented green spaces revealed micro-endemics: some species restricted to single sites, like Mycetophila georgettechenae in Nee Soon Swamp Forest only. Mangroves yielded mangrove specialists, while secondary forests showed higher diversity, reflecting resilience post-disturbance. Urban areas contributed generalists, hinting at adaptation potential. This mosaic underscores Singapore's high endemism rates in the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, where islands foster speciation.

Key sites included:

• Nee Soon Swamp Forest: Unique peat swamp specialists.
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Rare mangrove forms, e.g., single specimen of Aspidionia janetjesudasonae.
• Central Catchment Nature Reserve: Highest species richness.
• Urban greenspaces: Evidence of spillover from wild areas.

Photo by Janet kommerkamp on Unsplash

Honoring Trailblazers: 31 Species Named After Singapore's Notable Women

In a nod to gender equity in science—where historically more species bear male names—the team dedicated 31 new taxa to inductees of the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame. This initiative celebrates contributions across arts, sports, activism, and more, embedding Singaporean heritage in global taxonomy.

Highlights include:

• Mycetophila georgettechenae: After Georgette Chen, pioneer of Nanyang art style (inducted 2014).
• Aspidionia janetjesudasonae: Honoring Janet Jesudason, Olympic sprinter and hockey legend (2016).
• Integricypta shirinae: For Shirin Fozdar, women's rights advocate and Syariah Court founder (2014).

Prof. Amorim noted, “We wanted to tell a bit of Singapore’s story through these names and to honour individuals whose contributions... deserved greater visibility.” This practice fosters inclusivity, inspiring students in higher education to pursue taxonomy.

Ecological Roles and Why They Matter

Mycetophilidae link above- and below-ground ecosystems, dispersing fungal spores across forests, aiding mycelial networks that recycle nutrients for plants. In Singapore's forests, they likely regulate fungal pathogens, supporting tree regeneration. Dr. Ang Yuchen emphasized, “Their tight association... strongly suggest they’re an important part of fungal-driven forest processes.” Loss could cascade, impairing decomposition and carbon storage.

Stats reveal impact: 120 species on 730 km² rivals larger regions, with 95%+ endemics possible, per patterns in other Diptera. As bioindicators, they flag habitat health amid climate change and urbanization.

Conservation Implications for Urban Singapore

This baseline informs land-use planning: habitat-specific species demand protection. Dr. Ang advocates, “If we find that a species is only found in a particular habitat, any planned development would need to consider the fate of the species.” Singapore's Nature Ways Programme and NParks reserves benefit, balancing growth with heritage.

Challenges include fragmentation, invasive species, pollution; solutions: corridors, restoration. Ties to higher ed via NUS-NParks collaborations, training conservation biologists.

NUS Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum: Hub of Excellence

LKCNHM, part of NUS, hosts vast collections fueling discoveries. Dr. Ang's curatorship exemplifies university museums' role in global science. For aspiring researchers, NUS offers programs in ecology, taxonomy—check research jobs in Singapore or higher ed research positions.

This project showcases interdisciplinary training: genetics, morphology, fieldwork—key for PhDs, postdocs.

Photo by Chunjiang on Unsplash

Future Directions in Fungus Gnat and Biodiversity Research

Next: functional ecology studies, e.g., gut microbiomes, pollination roles. Expand to Sciaridae (true fungus gnats). Dr. Ang plans a Total Arthropod Baseline, aiding AI-monitored surveys.

Global relevance: protocols exportable to other megacities. For careers, explore academic CV tips or postdoc opportunities.

Career Pathways in Singapore's Biodiversity Science

Singapore universities like NUS drive demand for entomologists, curators. Roles span museums, NParks, biotech. Skills: DNA barcoding, stats, GIS. Visit university jobs, higher ed jobs, Singapore academic opportunities.

Actionable: Pursue MSc/PhD at NUS Biological Sciences; intern at LKCNHM.