Four new species of fireflies have been discovered in Taiwan’s Kenting National Park, the park administration said Jan. 5.
The new squad includes one nocturnal species of the genus Luciola and three diurnal species of the genus Drilaster, the administration said, noting that an ecological survey over the past two years has found that around 20 species of lightning bugs reside in the park.
Further research is required before scientists can give official names to the novel species, the park said.
“As fireflies are vulnerable to changes in their habitats, park authorities should take action to protect the insects,” said Jeng Ming-luen, assistant curator at the National Museum of Natural Science and director of the research project.
Currently over 2,000 species of fireflies are recorded around the world, 54 of which are known to exist in Taiwan, park officials added.
Nanjenshan Nature Reserve has the highest firefly population in Kenting, according to the park.
Located in Pingtung County, Kenting is Taiwan’s oldest and southernmost national park. Covering 181 square kilometers of land and 152 square kilometers of sea, it is known for its tropical landscape and rich biodiversity. (THN)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw