FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – Shoppers at a local Walmart in Fayetteville were in for a surprise when a researcher stumbled upon an ultra-rare insect that dates back to the Jurassic period.
The bug was discovered in the store’s parking lot by Dr. Emily Smith, a biologist at the University of Arkansas. She was on her way back to her car when she noticed the unusual-looking insect crawling on the ground. Smith quickly recognized it as a species from the Jurassic era, which is about 200 million years old.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Smith. “I knew I had to capture the insect for further study.”
After safely securing the bug, Smith contacted her colleagues at the university. They confirmed that the insect was indeed an ultra-rare species that had not been seen for millions of years.
The insect has now been identified as a jurassic-era species of winged insect called Elytra dimidiata, which is known for its distinctive half-moon shaped wings. The species was once common in the Jurassic period but has since become extinct.
Smith said the discovery is significant as it sheds new light on the evolution of insects and provides valuable information about the environment during the Jurassic era.
“It’s rare to find a fossilized insect, let alone a living one,” said Smith. “This discovery opens up a whole new world of possibilities for studying these ancient creatures.”
The bug has been transferred to the university’s research facility for further study. Meanwhile, the Walmart store has become a tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the country flocking to see the rare insect.
The discovery has also sparked new interest in the study of insects and their evolution. Many researchers are now hopeful that more rare insects might be discovered in unexpected places like Walmart parking lots.
For now, researchers are keeping a close eye on the insect, hoping to learn more about its behavior and habitat. The discovery has proven that there is still much to be learned about the natural world, even in the most unlikely of places.