A comprehensive three-year biological survey in the Chinese mainland's Mt. Wuyi National Park has led to the discovery of 17 new insect species. This remarkable finding underscores the park's status as a biodiversity hotspot, often referred to as the \"world of insects.\"
With this latest addition, the park now boasts a staggering 7,925 recorded insect species, including seven that are classified as national key protected animals, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
The survey, which commenced in April 2021, has documented a total of 34 new species to date, with the 17 newly identified insects contributing significantly to our understanding of the region's rich ecological tapestry.
Among these 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. 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," said Ma Fangzhou from the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
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17 new insect species discovered in China's Mt. Wuyi National Park
cgtn.com
