Prehistoric Insect Named After K-pop Group Stray Kids
DOGO News • • science
Key Points:
- A newly discovered insect species from about 100 million years ago, named Carcinonepa libererrantes, was inspired by the South Korean boy band Stray Kids and dates back to the Cretaceous Period.
- The fossil was found in amber from Myanmar’s Kachin region, a significant source of amber fossils, and studied using high-resolution CT scans.
- This true bug species is notable for its enlarged front legs ending in pincer-like claws, a rare feature among insects and an example of convergent evolution with crabs and lobsters.
- The species name combines Greek and Latin roots meaning "crab" and "wandering children," referencing both the insect's claw-like legs and Stray Kids' "Step Out" hand pose.
- The discovery was led by zoologist Carolin Haug and her team, with the study published in the journal Insects in April 2026.