Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) master's student Ji-seung Kim (Insect Systematics and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology) has meticulously developed a 'Pictorial Key' that enables non-specialists to intuitively classify species within the morphologically very similar and taxonomically challenging Myeongju damselfly group, attracting attention from the academic community.

At the recently held '2026 Meeting of the Korean Society of Applied Entomology and the Korean Entomological Society,' Ji-seung Kim presented these research results and received the Excellence Award in the poster presentation category.

Myeongju damselflies are insects whose larvae are widely known as 'antlions.' However, the adults show only minute morphological differences between species, and even specialist researchers find identification difficult.

To overcome these limitations, Ji-seung Kim conducted a detailed comparison and analysis of the morphological traits of the Myeongju damselfly group and systematized species-specific characteristics into visual materials that anyone can easily understand. The work is seen as improving research accessibility and laying a foundation for use in field surveys, specimen identification, education, and other areas.

The study is of significant academic value in that it attempted a systematic and visual taxonomic approach for the Myeongju damselfly group, which has been relatively understudied domestically. The achievement is also valued for its high level of rigor, attained through repeated verification based on finely detailed morphological observations accumulated over a long period.

Ji-seung Kim expressed, 'I am deeply grateful to Professor Sora Kim and the members of my laboratory for their generous guidance and support throughout the research process. I will continue to devote myself to taxonomic research on insects, including Myeongju damselflies.'