Nebria scaphelytra - There are almost 1,000 species and sub-species in the genus Nebria. This ground beetle can be found in the isolated Myohyang Mountain range of North Korea. They are black in color, somewhat shiny, but without a noted metallic reflection. Males are 13 millimeters in size and females slightly larger at 14 millimeters. It has ridged elytra, a feature found on most beetles. These are the hardened forewings covering the delicate hindwings used for flying.
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The Kingdom of Joseon was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye. It existed from 1392 until 1897. This state had replaced the Kingdom of Goryeo, the namesake for the modern day nation of Korea. Joseon experienced invasions by China and Japan in the 16th and 17th century, resulting in a period of isolation when Korea became known as the “Hermit Kingdom.” The Korean Empire was proclaimed in 1897 as a means of emerging from self-imposed isolation and for seeking modernization.
