A research team from Shandong Normal University and Linyi Mengshan Protection and Development Center has identified a novel insect species—Grewia bilobaleaf miner moth (Phyllonorycter grewiaesp. nov.)—within the Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark. The discovery was featured on Shandong News Network on September 19.
Measuring 3–4 mm in length, the species exhibits distinct biological features:
White facial scales, head crest scales, and labial palpi
Black-tipped ventral scales
Black dorsal surface on antennae scapes with ringed patterns on flagellomeres
Named after its host plant (Grewia biloba), the moth was confirmed through morphological and DNA sequence comparisons with over 400 known leaf miner species globally. The findings have been published in Zootaxa, a leading international taxonomic journal.
The Mengshan Center will expand collaborative surveys with academic institutions to comprehensively document local biodiversity—including herbs, woody plants, insects, birds, and mammals—establishing scientific foundations for enhanced ecological conservation.
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