New Collembola Species Discovered in Sikkim Highlands

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have discovered a new species of Collembola, or springtails, in the high-altitude region of Sikkim. The finding, published on December 1, 2025, represents the first-ever record of the genus “Neelus” from India, reinforcing the eastern Himalayas’ status as a global biodiversity hotspot.

First Indian Record of Genus Neelus

The newly identified species has been named “Neelus sikkimensis”. With this discovery, the total number of known species within the genus worldwide has increased to eight. Until now, members of this genus had not been documented within Indian territory, making the find taxonomically significant for the country’s soil biodiversity records.

Research Team and Scientific Publication

The study was conducted by the Apterygota Section of the Zoological Survey of India, led by Gurupada Mandal, with Kusumendra Kumar Suman as a key team member. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed “Journal of the Entomological Research Society”, highlighting the scientific rigor behind the discovery.

Distinctive Biological Characteristics

According to the researchers, “Neelus sikkimensis” exhibits several unique adaptations. The species has an extremely small body size, well suited for life deep within soil and moss layers. It lacks eyes entirely, a common trait among organisms inhabiting dark, subterranean environments. Most notably, it shows a distinctive labral chaetotaxy, or arrangement of mouth bristles, which clearly differentiates it from other species in the genus.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• “Neelus sikkimensis” is the first record of genus “Neelus” in India.
• The species was discovered in the high-altitude region of Sikkim.
• Collembola are also known as springtails.
• They act as bio-indicators of soil and environmental health.

Ecological Significance of Springtails

Collembola play a crucial role in maintaining soil health by aiding organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India, praised the research team and highlighted that micro-arthropods form the base of complex soil food webs. Lead researcher Mandal emphasised that the discovery underscores the need for more taxonomic studies across India’s diverse climatic regions, given the ecological importance of these often-overlooked organisms.