Scientists discover new species in Sichuan caves

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Ecns.cn, June 25, 2014
Adjust font size:

Scientists at an insect museum have discovered new invertebrate creatures in the remote caves of Sichuan Province.

A new species of cave-dwelling shrimp has been found in Longmenshan township of Pengzhou city, southwest China's Sichuan province in June 2014. [Photo/CNS]

Chengdu Huaxi Entomic Museum has been exploring caves in the Longxi-Hongkou National Nature Reserve and primitive ones in Pengzhou since mid-June and found a new species of cave-dwelling shrimp and cave-dwelling geometer moth.

The new cave shrimp, only one centimeter long, is almost transparent and feeds on bat excrement. With no fan-shaped tail, no long feelers, and no eyes, it looks like an alien creature from science fiction movies. They can live only in the caves and will die within an hour if they are put under the sun.

The new cave geometer moths don't fly and only rest on the cave walls, which helps them escape attacks by their natural enemy, bats.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
1   2   3   Next  


Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter