Neelus sikkimensis

Why in News?

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have announced the discovery of a new species of in the high-altitude landscapes of Sikkim.

• It is a new tiny, soil-dwelling micro-arthropod species.
• It is a rare species of springtail (Collembola).

Arthropods are invertebrates with jointed legs, possess an exoskeleton with a cuticle made of chitin, often mineralised with calcium carbonate, a body with differentiated segments, and paired jointed appendages.

• Genus – Neelus.
  • It is the first representative of the genus Neelus ever recorded in India.
  • With this addition, the global species count of the genus has risen to 8.
• Characteristics - The species has an extremely small body size; an adaptation suited to life deep within soil and moss layers.
• It completely lacks eyes, a trait commonly seen in organisms inhabiting dark, subterranean environments.
• Uniqueness - It possesses a unique labral chaetotaxy the arrangement of bristles on its mouth which clearly distinguishes it from other known species in the genus.

• Significance - They support organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in the topsoil. These are vital to the health of terrestrial ecosystems.

Reference

The Week | Neelus sikkimensis