‘Rare’ winged creature — with ‘magical red’ body — discovered as new species in China

Concealed among the leaves of a forest in China was a winged creature with a “magical red” body. The shiny, “metallic” animal was much harder to find than it might seem.

When scientists finally encountered the “rare” animal, they discovered it was a new species.

Researchers ventured into the mountains of Yunnan province in May 2022, according to a study published Feb. 14 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.

While there, researchers found a red insect perched on a twig and captured it. They took a closer look at the animal and realized they’d discovered a new species: Buprestis (Akiyamaia) gengmini, or Geng-Min’s jewel beetle.

The Geng-Min’s jewel beetle can reach about 1 inch in length, the study said. From above, it appears primarily red with two navy blue stripes running down its back. Its head has a mixture of iridescent purple, orange and green. From below, it has a purple stomach with a few blue patches.

Photos show the shiny new species. Researchers described its coloring as “metallic” and “magical red.”

Another photo shows a Geng-Min’s jewel beetle with its wings outstretched.

Researchers said they named the new species after Geng-Min Song, the “father of (the lead co-author Hai-Tian Song), who recognized (Song’s) interest in insects and accompanied him in collecting and learning.”

Jewel beetles in the Akiyamaia subgenus are generally “rare” and “difficult to collect,” researchers said.

So far, Geng-Min’s jewel beetle is known from only one specimen found in Yunnan, the study said. This province is in southwestern China, bordering Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The new species was identified by its body shape, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers did not provide a DNA analysis of the new species.

The research team included Zhi-Hao Qi, Rong-Xiang Su, Zhi-Yu Liao, Hong-Mu Ai, Bi Ding and Hai-Tian Song. The team also discovered a second new species of jewel beetle.