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Nature & Environment

New giant insect discovered in China

By T.K. Randall
July 26, 2014 · Comment icon 29 comments

The dobsonfly (pictured) is a close relative. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 Dehaan
Scientists have identified what is believed to be the largest aquatic insect found anywhere in the world.
With huge horn-like jaws and a wingspan equal to that of a common sparrow, the enormous new insect is part of the Megaloptera group which includes dobsonflies, fishflies and other similar species.

Discovered in the mountains near Chengdu, the insect is thought to spend most of its life underwater during its larval stage before eventually emerging as an adult which then lives for only a few days while it looks for a mate.
"With its wingspan measured as 21 centimetres, the insect won the title of the largest aquatic insect in the world," China's state-run news service has announced.

Close-up photographs of the insect can be found on the service's website - here.

Source: CBC.ca | Comments (29)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #20 Posted by curiouse 10 years ago
Whatch out they will eat them in China.
Comment icon #21 Posted by shrooma 10 years ago
Now I am going to have to spend the entire day drinking just to forgot those evil looking beasts. . it's what good friends are for! (i've got today off, so the rum shall be flowing like wine....) .
Comment icon #22 Posted by Silver Surfer 10 years ago
How'd they miss that one... So is its the largest "aquatic" insect right? Weta still holds the crown? EDIT: oh i see the elephant bettle comparison now.
Comment icon #23 Posted by seaturtlehorsesnake 10 years ago
untill it lays eggs inside you psh. if you're worried about that sort of thing, it's the critters you can't see that are far more terrifying.
Comment icon #24 Posted by FollowTheTrail 10 years ago
. it's what good friends are for! (i've got today off, so the rum shall be flowing like wine....) . Rum at first, then turn to vodka and those creatures will be quickly forgotten..!
Comment icon #25 Posted by jarjarbinks 10 years ago
if i was sleeping naked in that mountain and found that thing on my D when i woke up, id probably have a heart attack
Comment icon #26 Posted by mattyoghostss 10 years ago
cute..
Comment icon #27 Posted by EllJay 10 years ago
Oh, that just great - mutants. On of these days, scenes from Stephen Kings The Mist, will not seem so unreal any more. http://youtu.be/sRJQZ2P7WHY
Comment icon #28 Posted by Rei4ever 10 years ago
A good concept for a new Kamen Rider!!!
Comment icon #29 Posted by AlienDan 10 years ago


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