As a three-year biological survey has just been completed in east China's Mt. Wuyi National Park, 17 new insect species have been identified in the area.

The park, known for its comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone, is dubbed the "world of insects." According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the park now boasts 7,925 recorded insect species, seven of which are classified as national key protected animals.

Since the biological survey began in April 2021, researchers have documented 34 new species so far, including 17 previously unidentified insects. 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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