Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Conservation
Why in News?
Recently, researchers at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of hoverflies in the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal.
- Scientific name - Eristalinus sapphirinus and Eristalinus brunettii.
- Family – Syrphidae.
- Genus – Eristalinus, last major contribution to this genus was recorded in 1923.
- Key Differences & Features
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Eristalinus sapphirinus
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- Named for its striking, metallic sapphire-blue coloration.
- Males are distinguished by a head that strongly tapers toward the vertex, as well as a specific appendix on the loop of the R₄₊₅ wing vein.
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Eristalinus brunettii
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- Named in honor of the renowned entomologist Enrico Adelelmo Brunetti, who made immense contributions to the historical study of Indian flies.
- While initially resembling the related species Eristalinus polychromata, it was confirmed as a distinct evolutionary lineage.
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- Methodology and Ecological Role
- Taxonomic Approach - The research team used an integrative approach, combining traditional morphological identification with advanced mitochondrial COI DNA barcoding to officially distinguish the species.
- Ecological Importance - Hoverflies are vital ecological components.
- Adult flies are critical pollinators that visit flowering plants, while their larvae live in aquatic habitats and help decompose organic matter.
Reference
Times of india | Eristalinus sapphirinus and Eristalinus brunettii
