A figure depicting mouthparts of Isonychia taishunensis. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]
A groundbreaking discovery in Zhejiang's biodiversity has been made with the identification of a new mayfly species, Isonychia taishunensis. Published in the journal Zootaxa, this species was found in the Daixiyuan Provincial Wetland Park, Taishun county, Wenzhou, and is distinguished by unique morphological and genetic traits.
The discovery process began in April 2022 when a Zhejiang Normal University team collected an isonychia larva that was initially mistaken for a known Jiangxi species. However, DNA analysis revealed a 10 percent genetic difference, indicating a new species. It wasn't until May 2023 that mature mayflies were collected, confirming the new species through distinct physical characteristics.
The discovery of Isonychia taishunensis highlights the ecological value of Taishun county, known for its rich biodiversity. This new species provides insights into the evolutionary research of the Isonychiidae family and the speciation in Taishun.
Mayflies are key bioindicators for aquatic ecosystems, and the unique ecological role of the Isonychia taishunensis offers a new species for ongoing water quality monitoring.
In recent years, Taishun county has vigorously implemented biodiversity conservation projects, leading to the discovery of 11 new species.
