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New Antlion Species Found in Kerala's Teak Forests
25 Oct
Summary
- A new antlion species, Cueta tectona, was discovered in Walayar forest.
- The discovery was made by Indian and Hungarian entomologists collaborating.
- This finding highlights unexplored insect diversity in the Western Ghats.
A new species of antlion, identified as Cueta tectona, has been discovered in the Walayar forest, located in Kerala's Palakkad district. This discovery is a notable contribution to understanding the rich insect diversity present in the Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
The research was conducted by Assistant Professors Suryanarayanan T. B. and Bijoy C., in collaboration with Hungarian entomologist Levente Ábrahám. Published in the journal Zootaxa, the findings detail the new species found in teak-dominated forests, with its name reflecting this habitat.
Additionally, Cueta punctata was recorded in Malappuram district, extending its known distribution. These discoveries bring Kerala's total antlion species count to 14, emphasizing the region's significance for Neuroptera diversity and conservation efforts.
