This past summer, there was a drought in Pennsylvania, which allowed cavers access to normally flooded portions of caves in Nippenose Valley, about 12 miles southwest of Williamsport. At that time, specimens of biota were collected in 2 caves, which were studied by Dr Luis Espinasa, of Marist College of Science, Poughkeepsie, NY. From these specimens, several were found to be previously undescribed species, including 4 types of crustaceans (1 copepod, 1 isopod, and 2 amphipods), 1 type of flatworm (platyhelminthes), and 1 worm (annelida). Also, more specimens of the previously described sculpins (see Journal of Cave & Karst Studies, Vol. 65 #2, Aug 2003) were collected, giving more DNA of both the surface and underground varieties, identifying further distinctions between them.
Dr. Espinasa will be presenting his findings on January 25, 2008, at the Nippenose Valley Elementary School, beginning at 7 pm. All cavers and biologists in the area are invited and encouraged to attend. For more info, email me at offrope@chilitech.net