The Honam National Institute of Biological Resources (HNIBR) of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment discovered 45 unrecorded insect species on islands from 2021 to 2024 through the project "Research on Discovery of Biological Resources in Islands and Coastal Areas". Analysis showed that 25 species (55.5%) are tropical or subtropical insects, while the remaining 20 species are temperate or cold-temperate species.

The tropical and subtropical insects identified in this study are species commonly distributed in low-latitude regions near the equator such as Okinawa (Japan) and India. In Korea, they were mainly found in southern island regions, six species including Psammoecus trinaculatus on Jeju Island and five species including Euploea eunice on Geojedo Island.

Because Korea has a temperate climate with clear temperature differences between summer and winter, the presence of species native to tropical climates is attracting attention as an indicator of climate change. Islands, in particular, serve as key entry points for non-native species and as corridors for their spread into inland areas, highlighting the need for detailed monitoring of biota changes.

HNIBR has been continuously identifying various tropical and subtropical organisms such as insects, fish, and lichens on major islands such as Jeju Island, Ulleungdo, as well as distant islands including Gageodo and Heuksando Island. The institute is also researching shifts in biota, driven by climate change.

Among 45 unrecorded insect species identified, HNIBR researchers have already registered 18 species including Deoptilia heptadeta, in the National Species List of Korea. The remaining species will be listed after publication in academic journals.

The Director of the Division of Zoology at HNIBR stated, "A significant number of newly found unrecorded insects from islands are tropical or subtropical species. This is a clear signal that climate change is having a tangible impact on Korea's biodiversity. HNIBR will continue comprehensive surveys and systematic, science-based research to understand climate change-induced shifts in island biota."