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ZSI and Germany’s Museum Koenig Bonn Discover Six New Sericinae Beetle Species in India.

Environment | Dated: 18 Apr 2025

The Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)-based Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with Germany’s Museum Koenig Bonn, recently discovered six new species of Sericinae scarab beetles. These beetles were identified from the biodiversity-rich regions of Northeast India and the Western Ghats (Kerala).

🎯 Key Highlights:

- The findings of this collaborative discovery were published in the peer-reviewed journal ‘Zootaxa’, marking a significant addition to entomological studies and India’s rich biodiversity records.
- The joint research team included Devanshu Gupta, Debika Bhunia, and Kailash Chandra from ZSI, along with Dirk Ahrens from Museum Koenig. The team conducted a detailed specimen analysis using collections from both the Coleoptera Section of ZSI (Kolkata) and Museum Koenig (Germany).
- The six newly discovered Sericinae beetle species are — Maladera champhaiensis, found in Mizoram; Neoserica churachandpurensis, identified from Manipur; Maladera barasingha, named in honor of the Indian swamp deer; Maladera lumlaensis, discovered in Arunachal Pradesh; Serica subansiriensis, also from Arunachal Pradesh; and Maladera onam, which was found in Kerala.

💡 Other Important Facts:

(i) The study also led to new state records, including Maladera bengalensis in Goa and Maladera seriatoguttata in Maharashtra. In total, 28 additional beetle species were documented, enhancing the distribution data and understanding of beetle diversity across India.
(ii) The discoveries emphasize the importance of India’s biodiversity hotspots. Five of the six species were found in Northeast India, a region that forms part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, known for its high endemism and ecological sensitivity. Maladera onam, found in Kerala, highlights the richness and vulnerability of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site threatened by deforestation and human encroachment.
(iii) Sericinae beetles play dual roles in ecosystems. While some species are known agricultural pests impacting crops, others are beneficial to soil health, contributing to aeration and nutrient recycling, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance and agricultural productivity.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

ZSI and Germany’s Museum Koenig Bonn have recently discovered six new species belonging to which group of beetles?

Correct Answer: Sericinae beetle

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

Director : Dhriti Banerjee
Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)