A huge insect from the Jurassic period, extinct for at least fifty years, has been spotted sitting in a supermarket box in Arkansas, according to the “Guardian” newspaper.

The identification of the neuroptera (Polystoechotes punctata) caused excitement in the ranks of scientists. The discovery of the species has sparked speculation that there may be entire populations hiding deep in the Ozarks.

The highly visible insect was identified by Michael Skvarla, director of the Pennsylvania State University Insect Identification Laboratory.

The insect, which looks like a cross between a large fly and a moth, was once common in North America, but was considered extinct in its eastern regions until 1950.

The reasons for his supposed disappearance remained a mystery. Among the possible scenarios, the scientists cited light pollution, caused by the rapid urbanization of many areas, but also the introduction of other species, such as beetles that hunt, among others, this particular insect. The reduction of forest fires in the eastern zones of North America may have played a role in its supposed extinction.