Five New Species of Darwin Wasps Discovered in India and Thailand
Environment
Researchers at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) have discovered five new species of Darwin wasps, marking the first record of the Microleptinae subfamily in India. These wasps, known for their parasitic life cycle, include four new species from India—Microleptes chiani, M. gowrishankari, M. sandeshkaduri, and M. tehriensis—and one from Thailand, M. depressus. This study highlights the importance of taxonomic research in understanding biodiversity and ecological functions. The Ichneumonidae family, to which these wasps belong, consists of 42 subfamilies, with Microleptinae being among the smallest. The discovery underscores the need for further research on the distribution and diversity of the Microleptinae subfamily.
- The Ichneumonidae family consists of 42 subfamilies.
- Highlights the importance of taxonomic research in biodiversity.
Main Point :- (i) Marks the first record of the Microleptinae subfamily in India.
(ii) New species include Microleptes chiani, M. gowrishankari, M. sandeshkaduri, M. tehriensis, and M. depressus.
- Headquarters: Bangalore, India
- Chairman: Mr. G. G. George
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