Neha BaruahA groundbreaking discovery has been made on the Madras Christian College (MCC) campus in Tamil Nadu: Palpares contrarius, a newly identified antlion species. This finding enriches the biodiversity of the region, offering fresh insights into its unique fauna.
Key Identification Features
Resembling a dragonfly, Palpares contrarius stands out with its distinct antennae and characteristic fluttering flight. The structure of its antennae is a critical feature that differentiates it from similar insects. These elusive creatures are primarily nocturnal, making adult specimens challenging to observe.
Life Cycle and Behavior
- Larvae: Known for their sand pit traps, antlion larvae are efficient predators that primarily prey on ants. Their larval stage can extend beyond a year, influenced by environmental conditions and food availability.
- Adults: The adult stage is brief, and sightings during the day are rare due to their nocturnal habits.
Habitat and Distribution
Antlions are distributed across various regions, including Africa, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. In India, they are found in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. The discovery of Palpares contrarius in Tamil Nadu marks a first for the state, highlighting its ecological significance.
Research and Documentation
The species was meticulously documented by entomologist Anita Pearline Esther from MCC, with the findings published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. The preserved specimen is now housed at the Zoological Survey of India in Chennai.
C. Joyce Priyakumari, head of the zoology department at MCC, expressed excitement over the campus’s rich insect diversity, noting that many species remain unexplored. Principal Paul Wilson announced plans for extensive research on the 320-acre campus, which is home to diverse wildlife, including spotted deer.
This discovery underscores the need for continued exploration and documentation of the region’s biodiversity.
Neha Baruah
