A small to medium-sized moth, recently collected by staff at Taishan Mountain in Tai'an, has been confirmed as a species newly recorded in China.

Initially resembling the cotton pest Haritalodes derogata, the specimen was identified by Professor Qu Aijun of Shandong Agricultural University as Haritalodes basipunctalis, a member of the Crambidae family. It has been named the Taishan Mountain Basipunctalis Moth.

While the genus Haritalodes is widely distributed across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, this species had previously only been documented in Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Russia's Far East, and Nepal. Its discovery in China fills a gap in the known geographic range and expands its ecological footprint.

"This finding holds significant scientific value," explained a Taishan Mountain staff member. "The moth's close resemblance to Haritalodes derogata provides a key case for studying species differentiation within the genus. It also offers new clues for understanding insect fauna evolution in East Asia".

The discovery highlights how meticulous field research can reveal hidden biodiversity, even among seemingly familiar insects. It is the second recent insect species recording from Taishan Mountain, following the earlier identification of Morphopolistes taiensis.

These continuous discoveries underscore Taishan Mountain's role as a transitional zone where northern and southern species converge, further enriching the ecological significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

A small to medium-sized moth, recently collected by staff at Taishan Mountain in Tai'an, is confirmed as a species newly recorded in China. [Photo/WeChat account: Tai'an Daily]