Discovery of three new antlion species

Prelims - Current events of national and international importance | Conservation

Why in News?

A research team recently discovered three antlion species from the tribe Palparini for the first time in Kerala, Western Ghats region.

Insect order – Neuroptera.
3 new species
- Indopalpares pardus,
- Palpares contrarius and
- Stenares harpyia
These are dry-zone species at present discovered in humid forest ecosystems.
Diet - These insects’ prey on ants and in the adult stage.
Lifespan – It is restricted to just a month for reproduction before they perish.

Indopalpares pardus

Indopalpares pardus

This widely distributed species previously reported from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha and other northern states.
It has now been recorded from Vazhayur in Malappuram district.

Palpares contrarius

Palpares contrarius

Earlier records of this species are known from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram.
Now found in several locations across Kerala.

Stenares harpyia

Stenares harpyia

Earlier restricted to Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
It has now been discovered in Kerala extending its known range significantly into southern Western Ghats.

Significance - The discovery adds to the known insect biodiversity of the Western Ghats and highlights the importance of studying these regions for further discoveries.

Reference

Times of India | Three antlion species in Kerala