The first comprehensive biodiversity background survey was launched in Shanghai 20 years. Shanghai Zoo announced a blockbuster achievement today (0/0) at the "World Earth Day" theme event: at the Shanghai Zoo, scientists have discovered a new species - the large-eyed broad-protruding moss carapace.

This is the 3th new species of surface insect discovered in Shanghai Zoo after the hairy horned ant beetle and Hongqiao lycocca in Xijiao Park.

Recently, Shanghai Zoo and insect experts from Shanghai Normal University and Dacheng Insect Studio have compiled the samples collected from Shanghai, and the research results of the new species of Big-eyed Broad-protruding Livergy found in Shanghai Zoo have been published in the international taxonomic journal "ZooKeys".

The results of the study have been published in the international taxonomic journal ZooKeys.Image Credits:Shanghai Animal Park, Shanghai Normal University, Dacheng Worm Studio

Large-eyed broad protrusions. Image source: Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai Normal University, Dacheng Bug Studio

The big-eyed broad-protruding moss is a miniature beetle with a body length of only about 5.0 mm, but it has a pair of large eyed eyes, hence the name. With their large eyes, they are keenly aware of changes in light and movement around them in shady humus environments. Thanks to their streamlined bodies, they are able to easily navigate between the crevices of the humus layer and between fallen leaves.

The Bryophylla family is generally small, with most species only 3 mm to 0 mm long, but they are ferocious predators, mainly feeding on small arthropods in soil or leaf litter. Therefore, mosses usually inhabit environments rich in organic matter and good material circulation, and their presence may serve as indicator organisms for assessing the soil health of woodlands.

The rapid development of the city and the high-intensity greening and maintenance have made it difficult for little people like Moss to find their ideal home. For reasons such as keeping the environment clean, many trees are quickly swept away when their fallen leaves fall and cannot return to the soil to become a habitat for their nutrients or small animals, making it difficult to form biodiversity.

It is reassuring to note that more and more parks and green spaces in Shanghai have begun to consciously retain a sufficient scale of "Nuoqi", and adhere to the "rule of inaction" in greening and maintenance at other times, except when necessary, without interrupting the natural cycle of "turning leaves into dust and mud, feeding trees, and growing new leaves".

"Since the opening of the Shanghai Zoo, it has retained a large number of native humus layers and a variety of vegetation, making it a rare stable paradise for some animals." Feng Ting, an insect expert at Shanghai Zoo, said that the discovery of hairy horned ant beetles, Hongqiao laijia and big-eyed broad-protruding moss beetles in the western suburbs park in Shanghai Zoo is a reward for the park's respect for the laws of nature. This also illustrates the significance of a comprehensive biodiversity background survey, as these species may have existed for a long time, but not enough attention has been paid to insect research in the past.

The discovery of a number of new species of surface insects has given Shanghai a shot in the arm for biodiversity conservation. "We didn't expect such a rich biodiversity to be found in such a fragmented habitat." Feng Ting said that these discoveries will inspire all sectors of society to explore more "pearls" of biodiversity hidden around us, and also remind everyone that these "ecological treasures" are hard-won and should be carefully cared for.

Biodiversity conservation is a complex and systematic work, which is inseparable from the joint participation of all sectors of society. Shanghai's "Implementation Opinions on Further Strengthening Biodiversity Conservation" encourages enterprises, public institutions, social organizations and the public to carry out or participate in various forms of biodiversity conservation activities.

A gray-backed partridge is looking for food in a pile of fallen leaves at the Shanghai Zoo. Photo by Yang Junjie

Discovering more "elves" in the insect world also requires the support of social forces. Experts present some "tips" for exploring the insect world in the humus.

The first is to choose the right season and time. Generally from late spring to early autumn, the climate is warm and humid, and insect activity is most frequent. In spring, when temperatures rise, insects wake up from their dormant slumber and begin to look for food and mates; In summer, the abundant food resources cause insects to multiply in large numbers, and the population reaches its peak; In autumn, insects are still active in order to survive the cold winter and actively store energy.

Early morning and late afternoon are often the peak times of the day for insect activity. In the early morning, the dew makes the humus layer more moist, and insects crawl out of their nests to feed; In the evening, the temperature drops, avoiding the heat of the day, and insects also come out to move. In addition, after the rain is also a good time, the moist environment makes the insects more active and also makes them easier to spot.

It should be reminded that when collecting insects, try to wear gloves and carefully turn the fallen leaves and debris on the surface of the humus layer so as not to miss or harm these little creatures.

Or prepare some plastic cups or jars, bury them in the ground, the mouth of the cup is level with the ground, add an appropriate amount of sweet and sour liquid, alcohol or salt water to the cup as bait, insects are attracted by the smell of the bait and fall into the trap. This method allows for the capture of a wide variety of insect species, and is especially suitable for those that move on the ground.

Carefully search for and collect "spirits".Image Credits:Shanghai Animal Park

Carefully search for and collect "spirits".Image Credits:Shanghai Normal University, Dacheng Bug Studio