Introduction to the Insects of Nan Kan area of Matsu

The Matsu Islands are like the pearls dropping down from the sky that spread around the entrance of the Ming River. These islands are mostly spread between 25°30'-28°44' of north latitude and 119°51'-120°20' of east longitude, which mainly include Nan Kan, Pei Kan, Kaoteng, Liang Island, Ta Chiu, Hsiao Chiu, Tung Chu, Hsi Chu, Tungyin, Hsiyin, etc, ten bigger islands and twenty more scattered no man islands. There is only one ocean across mainland China, the nearest spot is only 9250 meters away; the southeast faces Taiwan across Taiwan Strait where is more than 100 nautical mile from Keelung. To speak from the geological site, it has close relationship with Mainland China that the species of the insects are relatively similar to that of the ones in the mainland of opposite shore and less similar to the ones in Taiwan. (LI, Yen-Chun 2000)

Although they are developed and farmed at the beginning and over development for about centuries, luckily the natural environment of the Matsu islands has successfully carried out the forest plantation and greenery project for half a century thanks to the war area administration and control, now most major islands of Matsu are thick with woods to provide insects an excellent place for reproduction and habitats, certain quantities and species under the insect class such as: Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Homoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Mantodea and Phasmida have survived and seen here.

The investigation range this time is limited to the biggest island of the Matsu islands – Nan Kang Island, especially at the east district of Nan Kang – Shanlung, Niuchiao, Fuao and Chingshui. The area of Nan Kan is 10.63 square KM, mostly hills； dam and ponds, etc, water region or wetland that are bigger and more in size in comparison with other islands. The peak is the Yuntai Mt. at the center of the island with 248 meters above sea level. Due to it is surrounded by sea; the scenery of the stretched seashore is magnificent and beautiful and formed a wealth of seashore plants. Currently there are still remaining many original bushes and herbal groups, such as: Chionanthus retusus, Pyrus calleryana Dence, Prunus japonica, Gymnema sylvestre, Climbing fig, Hatsuisima, Heteropappus hispidus, Hayata, Miscanthus floridulus, etc. The area of 100 to 200 meter above sea level is artificial forest land, mainly are tall trees such as: Acacia, Melia Japonica, Albizzia Julibrissin, Elm, Sapium sebiferum, pines and orange, pomelo, etc, rutacea? plants. In addition, the farmland is planted all kinds of leaves vegetables, Cruciferae vegetables and yams, etc, according to the seasons. The rich plant resource is and diversified environment provide the insect larvae varied edible grass and excellent ecological environment for habitat, shelter, and reproduction.

The four seasons are clear here. It is foggy and humid in spring, hot in summer, cool in autumn, cold and windy in winter. Thus the insect species have changed along with the weather. More Lepidoptera insect larvae and imagoes are observed, for example, all kinds of Pieridae that prefer Cruciferae in great number. Many Papilionidaes are attracted to absorb the honey when orange trees blossom out in spring. Larvae look like bird drops are often seen around the buds. Summer is the busiest season. All kinds of bright and colorful longhorned beetles, Leptocoris augur, and dung beetles are so beautiful. The high decibel choir of the grass cicadas and red thread Cryptotympana holsti compose the midsummer grand choir. Autumn is not exceptional; all kinds of Tettigoniidae and crickets are hiding in the grass to sing the love songs. If you walk under the lamp light along the walkway on roadside, you will probably see the Tettigoniidae, Sipyloidea sipylus, and mantis appearing right before your eyes. It is chilly in winter, only few cold-resist Chilades pandava and Trilophidia japonica bathing under the rare winter sunshine. Insects appeared at the ecological area are different too. The larvae of the dragonfly and damselfly are water type so they must live by water. There is a large dam built from Matsu to Nan Kan area so it is hard to observe the ecology closer, only narrow ponds and ditches of small area are available for observation, as a result we can have some findings at the rear river behind the Kaohsiung Inn of Fuao. It is easy to find the Sipyloidea sipylus, Curculionidae, and striped mosquitos at the two sides of the walkway from White Horse Temple of Shanlung to the airport. The Motien Ridge walkway of Fushsing Village has a great deal of ants, inchmoth and giant China grass long-horned beetles as well as tiny butterflies feed on China grass as food grass.

There are a great number of moths, black butterflies, and dragonflies appeared at rich water dam. Some artificial places also have many insects such as the larvae and imagoes of Leptocoris augur, Brontispa longissima, black bug, beetles, yam golden flower bugs, powder butterflies, Papilio xuthus koxinga Fruhstorfer are found at Shanlung Vegetable Park. There are larvae, Dytiscidae, dragonflies, and Aeshnidae at Chin-Sha Dam and Victory Dam. Do not forget, campus is also an excellent spot to observe the insects. The local schools have set up water insects park for teaching purpose, while the flower nursery has planted honey source plants such as Lantana camara, therefore, it is easy to attract all kinds of Papilionidaes, Nymphalidae as well as different bees, or even the aphids and ants.

To speak from the quantity and species, Nan Kan Island is the area with plenty of insects at Matsu. According to the investigation in 2000 by Mr. Li Chun-Yen, found that only the kinds of butterfly：Nan Kan Island has 87 species, Pei Kan Island has 72 species, Tungyin has 30 species, Chukuang has 35 species. Deduct the common species of the five islands, Matsu area has at least six families and ninety-four species for butterfly alone. In comparison with the five families and sixty-three species of Kinmen county that is six times bigger, and the five families and forty five species of Penghu county that is four times bigger, Matsu and Nan Kan area are rich in insects resource that is worth exploring.