Beetle collection boosts insect interest in Jiji

2014-11-20

A collection of more than 1,000 live beetles and specimens from 100-plus species is heightening interest in insects in Jiji Township in central Taiwan’s Nantou County.

Comprising beetles from home and abroad, the collection was painstakingly assembled by civil servant Hsieh Chih-chen through personal finds, purchases and trades. His efforts have come to the attention of the Endemic Species Research Institute under the Council of Agriculture, which borrows specimens for events and consults him for related questions.

Hsieh said he never planned to own so many beetles. “I stepped into the wonderful world of insects after buying my son a stag beetle at a night market in nearby Caotun Township. I immediately fell in love with the pastime and my collection has grown ever since.”

According to the amateur entomologist, he is hooked by the fantastic colors and majestic appearance of beetles. “For example, the Hercules beetle deserves its title as the most famous and largest of the rhinoceros beetles. Some can lift more than 850 times their own weight and the males can reach 17 centimeters in length,” he said.

Equally impressive is Dynastes neptunus, Hsieh said. “This beetle can grow to a length of 16 centimeters and boasts a color of shiny black or dark brown. It also has attractive reddish-yellow hairs covering the underside of its body.”

The beetle master’s passion is also benefiting local educational institutions. Township Chief Yen Hung-pang said Jiji Primary and Junior High schools are planning field trips to a local government-organized beetle exhibition featuring Hsieh’s collection next year.

“It is important for the younger generation to know more about such mysterious yet stunning insects,” he added.

In response, Hsieh said he cannot wait to help more township residents, especially students, gain a better understanding of beetles. “My greatest joy in life comes from seeing others discover the unique characteristics of insects.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224159&CtNode=413)