Chinese researchers announce discovery of sesame seed-sized ladybug

Yu Yali, a PhD with the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, said the Haizhu Ladybug's size makes it exceptionally difficult to find, and research on this species is still in its infancy.

Researchers collected over 500,000 insect specimens during the survey, meticulously examining tens of thousands under a stereomicroscope before identifying the new species.

Yu said the Haizhu Ladybug was more challenging to discover than previous discoveries in the park.

In 2021 and 2022, the park released two other new species: the Haizhu Firefly Leaf Beetle and the Haizhu Axis Beetle.