Discovering the "Dragon Eye Chicken" in Kinmen,Taiwan

Recently, many Taiwanese residents have spotted a unique insect in the Kinmen National Park's Rushan Visitor Center. This insect, known as the "Dragon Eye Chicken" (Pyrops candelaria), is characterized by its long "nose" and camouflage green attire, complete with yellow spots on its wings. On one tree, nearly 20 of these insects were found, prompting netizens to jokingly refer to the scene as a "chicken farm."

The Dragon Eye Chicken is a type of cicada with a distinctive appearance, featuring green wings with yellow spots and a prominent red proboscis. It is often mistaken for a bird due to its name, but it is actually a six-legged insect. This species is primarily found in Kinmen and is known for its vibrant appearance, making it a beloved sight among insect enthusiasts.

Ecological Significance and Habitat

According to ecological expert Chen Xicun, the Dragon Eye Chicken feeds on the sap of longan trees and is most active during the spring and autumn seasons. In winter, these insects hide in leaf crevices to avoid the cold, emerging again as the weather warms up. Chen notes that the name "Dragon Eye Chicken" likely originates from the historical term "Chu Chicken" in Li Shizhen's "Bencao Gangmu", combined with their frequent presence on longan trees.

Historically, locals in Kinmen referred to the Dragon Eye Chicken as the "elephant nose bug" due to its distinctive proboscis. Despite concerns that it might harm crops, studies have shown that the Dragon Eye Chicken does not significantly impact local forestry in Kinmen.

Conservation Status and Distribution

Although the Dragon Eye Chicken is not native to Taiwan proper, it has been spotted in northern Taiwan since 2018. Initially, the Council of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine launched emergency control measures due to concerns about potential damage to economic fruit trees like longan and lychee. However, after years of monitoring, experts found that the insect does not cause significant agricultural harm, leading to a shift in strategy from removal to enhanced monitoring and risk management.

Today, the Dragon Eye Chicken remains a unique and fascinating part of Kinmen's ecological landscape, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the "tree-top chicken viewing" experience during its active seasons.