A massive insect snatched from the front of an Arkansas Walmart has established new records. The Polystoechotes punctata, or enormous lacewing, is the first of its kind to be reported in eastern North America in over 50 years, as well as the state’s first record of the species.
The enormous lacewing was once common across North America, but it had suddenly disappeared from eastern North America by the 1950s.
Jurassic-Era Specimen Identified
According to Michael Skvarla, head of Penn State’s Insect Identification Lab, this discovery suggests that there may be remnant populations of this huge Jurassic-era bug yet to be discovered.
Skvarla spotted the specimen in 2012 but misidentified it until 2020 when he taught an online course based on his personal insect collection. He just co-authored a paper in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington on the discovery.
Skvarla conducted an online course based on his personal insect collection during the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic, and the Jurassic-era specimen was ultimately properly recognized. Skvarla noted that the bug he’d previously thought was an antlion species now looked more like a lacewing — which has wingspans of up to two inches — as his pupils followed along on Zoom with microscopes.
Read more: Florida train carrying 30,000 gallon propane derails in a new wave of environmental concerns
DNA Analysis Result
Skvarla and his colleagues did molecular DNA analysis on the samples for additional validation. Skvarla has safely deposited the insect in the holdings of Penn State’s Frost Entomological Museum, where scientists and students will have access to it for future investigation.
The discovery of a huge lacewing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, may convey a bigger story about biodiversity and climate change, according to Skvarla. He stated that hypotheses for the giant lacewing’s extinction from North America differ — and it is still mostly unknown.
To estimate the spread of giant lacewings, the researchers reviewed comprehensive collection records, including museum holdings and community scientific submissions, and combined them onto a single map.
The records cover a vast geographical area, from Alaska to Panama, and contain diverse eco-regions in both eastern and western North America. According to the map, the Arkansas species was the first to be discovered in eastern North America in over 50 years.
The mystery of how the insect ended up on the outside of a Walmart remains unsolved. Skvarla added that the fact that it was discovered on the side of a well-lit building at night implies that it was likely drawn to the lights and may have flown at least a few hundred meters from where it started.
The researchers believe the new species is from a unique, surviving eastern group of giant lacewings that has escaped detection and extinction.
Read more: How to claim your Social Security benefits when you are out of the country?