New Wasp Species Discovered in Nagaland, First Record Outside Australasia
First Published: 10th November, 2024 12:22 IST
The discovery was made by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), marking a significant expansion of the species' range.
In a major breakthrough for Indian entomology, scientists have discovered a new species of aphid wasp, Arpactophilus pulawskii, in Nagaland’s Khuzama district.
This is the first time the Arpactophilus genus has been found outside Australasia, putting the region in the spotlight for global biological research.
The discovery was made by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), marking a significant expansion of the species’ range.
Previously, Arpactophilus was only known to exist in the Australasian region, with the nearest relatives found in Indonesia.
This genus, established in 1863, contains 74 species globally and is known for its unique social behavior and varied physical traits, such as differences in head shape and body size.
The new species was found at an altitude of over 1,800 meters, highlighting Nagaland’s unique environment by researchers, including S. Amal, P. Girish Kumar, and A. Rameshkumar.
The wasp’s physical features, such as a square-shaped head, rust-coloured markings, and a textured thorax, set it apart from other species in the genus.
Named Arpactophilus pulawskii in honour of wasp taxonomist Dr. Wojciech J. Pulawski, the discovery points to unexplored ecological connections between Nagaland and Australasia.
The finding could lead to further research into the region’s biodiversity and the impact of climate and geography on species distribution.
This discovery reinforces Nagaland’s role as a biodiversity hotspot, attracting global scientific attention and offering new opportunities for research in India’s northeastern states.
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