Winged island creature — with a ‘vivid’ pattern — discovered as new species in China

Aspen Pflughoeft
·2 min read
2

On an island off the coast of China, a winged creature with a “vivid” pattern fluttered about until something caught its attention. The animal flew toward a glowing light — and found itself trapped.

Scientists looked at their catch and soon realized they’d trapped a new species.

Researchers set up light traps on Hainan island on several occasions in 2023 to survey local insects, according to a study published Jan. 31 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.

When they checked the traps, researchers found dozens of “vividly” colored moths that didn’t match any known records, the study said. They took a closer look at the animals and realized they’d discovered a new species: Prochasma diaoluoensis, or the Diaoluoshan Prochasma moth.

Diaoluoshan Prochasma moths can reach about an inch in length, researchers said. They have mainly yellow wings “covered with extensive black scales” and a similarly colored body.

Photos show some Diaoluoshan Prochasma moths. The moths have long, almost eyelash-like antennae coming off their heads. Their bodies and wings are creamy yellow with darker brown-black patches that look almost like blurry splatter paintings.

Two live Prochasma diaoluoensis, or Diaoluoshan Prochasma moths.
Two live Prochasma diaoluoensis, or Diaoluoshan Prochasma moths.

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Researchers described the new species as “exceptional” because of its “vivid” coloring and noticeable pattern.

Seen from underneath, Diaoluoshan Prochasma moths have a similar pattern that appears “more blurry and paler,” the study said.

A preserved Prochasma diaoluoensis, or Diaoluoshan Prochasma moth, as seen from above (2) and below (3).
A preserved Prochasma diaoluoensis, or Diaoluoshan Prochasma moth, as seen from above (2) and below (3).

Researchers said they named the new species after the Diaoluoshan area where it was discovered.

Diaoluoshan is a town on Hainan island, the southernmost province in China. The island is in the South China Sea and about 400 miles southwest of Hong Kong.

So far, the new species has only been found on Hainan island, researchers said.

The new species was identified by its coloring, body shape, genitalia and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least about 7% genetic divergence from other Prochasma moths.

The research team included Bo Liu and Dieter Stüning.

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