Two Rare Ant Fly Species Discovered in India

Researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have discovered two new species of extremely rare ant flies from India, underscoring the ecological importance of both urban green spaces and biodiversity-rich natural landscapes. One species was found in a disturbed urban forest in Delhi, while the other was discovered in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, highlighting that valuable biodiversity persists even in heavily human-influenced environments.

New Species and Their Unique Ecology

The newly identified species, “Metadon ghorpadei” and “Metadon reemeri”, belong to the subfamily Microdontinae under the family Syrphidae. These flies are known for their unusual life history, as their larvae live inside ant nests and feed on ant brood, a specialised behaviour called myrmecophily. This highly adapted lifestyle makes Microdontinae flies exceptionally rare and difficult to detect. Until now, only six species of the genus “Metadon” had been recorded from India.

Discoveries in Delhi Ridge and Western Ghats

“Metadon ghorpadei” was discovered in the northern ridge forest of Delhi, part of the Delhi Ridge, an extension of the ancient Aravalli hill range. The area is a fragmented urban forest surrounded by dense residential zones and traffic, retaining only about one per cent of its original extent. The species was found in a moderately dense vegetation patch within an otherwise thorny scrub forest, revealing the hidden faunal value of urban forests. The second species, “Metadon reemeri”, was recorded from the Siruvani hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot with high levels of endemism.

Scientific Methods and Research Significance

The discoveries were made by H. Sankararaman of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam, Coimbatore, and S. S. Anooj of Kerala Agricultural University. The findings were published in the international journal “Zootaxa”. According to the researchers, both detailed morphological examination and DNA analysis were used to establish the novelty of the species. The study also reviewed the Indian fauna of the genus “Metadon” and redescribed six previously known species, strengthening taxonomic clarity.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Microdontinae larvae live inside ant nests, a behaviour called myrmecophily.
• The Delhi Ridge is an extension of the Aravalli hill range.
• Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot with high endemism.
• Only 27 Microdontinae species are known from the Indian subcontinent.

Conservation Concerns and Way Forward

Researchers warn that conservation in Indian cities often prioritises green cover over habitat-specific biodiversity, putting rare insects at risk. Although the Western Ghats are largely protected, lesser-known insect groups remain poorly studied. Globally, many Microdontinae species are considered rare or threatened due to specialised habitat requirements. The scientists call for targeted surveys, habitat mapping, regulation of human activities, control of invasive plants, and restoration of native vegetation, along with molecular phylogenetic studies across regions such as the Vindhya range, Deccan Plateau, and northern plains.