A three-year biological survey in east China’s Mt. Wuyi National Park has led to the discovery of 17 new insect species, underscoring the region’s rich biodiversity.
Known as the “world of insects,” Mt. Wuyi National Park boasts a comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone. The recent survey, which began in April 2021, has documented a total of 34 new species, including the 17 newly identified insects.
According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the park is now home to 7,925 recorded insect species, seven of which are classified as national key protected animals. Among the latest discoveries are five new species from the genus Elaphropeza.
“The discovery of five new species plays an important role in clarifying the resources of the genus,” said Ma Fangzhou from the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. “At the same time, it is of great significance for biological control in integrated pest management, as well as for the research of indicator organisms for biodiversity and environmental assessment.”
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17 new insect species discovered in China's Mt. Wuyi National Park
cgtn.com
