ZSI Discovers New Diplura Species in Himalayas

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of Diplura in the eastern Himalayas, marking a milestone in Indian entomology. The wingless, soil-dwelling micro-arthropod has been named “Lepidocampa sikkimensis”. The discovery ends nearly five decades of limited research on Diplura in India and represents the first species of its kind to be formally described by an Indian research team.

The findings were published on 7 January in the international taxonomic journal “Zootaxa”.

Ancient Hexapod Lineage

Diplurans are primitive hexapods, a group of six-legged arthropods under the class Hexapoda. They are blind, soil-dwelling organisms commonly known as two-pronged bristletails. Researchers believe “Lepidocampa sikkimensis” belongs to an ancient evolutionary lineage of hexapods.

Until now, 17 Diplura species had been recorded in India, all identified by foreign scientists. The new discovery signals a revival of indigenous taxonomic research in this lesser-known invertebrate group.

Discovery in Eastern Himalayas

The research team, led by Dr Surajit Kar and comprising Souvik Majumdar, Pritha Mondal, Gurupada Mondal and Kusumendra Kumar Suman, collected specimens near Ravangla in Sikkim. The species’ presence was later confirmed in Kurseong, suggesting a wider distribution across the eastern Himalayan region.

The species was distinguished by its unique body scale arrangement, specific chaetotaxy pattern and specialised appendage structures. These morphological features helped establish it as a new species.

Ecological and Scientific Significance

According to ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee, documenting such soil biodiversity is essential for understanding ecosystem functioning. Diplurans contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure maintenance, playing a key role in sustaining terrestrial ecosystems.

The study also reported the rediscovery of “Lepidocampa juradii bengalensis”, a rare subspecies not recorded for nearly 50 years. Additionally, researchers generated DNA barcode data for an Indian “Lepidocampa” species for the first time, integrating traditional morphology-based taxonomy with modern molecular techniques.

Important Facts for Exams

• Hexapoda refers to six-legged arthropods, including insects and related groups.
• Diplura are blind, soil-dwelling primitive hexapods with two-pronged tails.
• The eastern Himalayas are recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot.
• DNA barcoding helps identify species using short genetic sequences.

Boost to Indian Taxonomy

The discovery of “Lepidocampa sikkimensis” strengthens India’s soil biodiversity records and highlights the importance of sustained research in underexplored faunal groups. By combining field surveys with molecular tools, the study marks a significant step in advancing systematic entomology and biodiversity documentation in the Himalayan region.