Thrissur – A group of scientists from Christ College’s Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, have unveiled the discovery of two previously unknown antlion species.
Named Nemoleon ghoshi and Nemoleon madayiensis, these insects stand out as unique members of the Myrmeleontidae family. While the former was found in various forest regions across Kerala, the latter was spotted close to the famed Madayi Kavu in Kannur district.
Interestingly, the name Nemoleon ghoshi pays tribute to Dr. Sanath Kumar Ghosh, a revered scientist from the Zoological Survey of India. Ghosh’s contribution to the field of neuropterology, a branch of science focusing on net-winged insects, is remarkable.
At a glance, adult antlions could be mistaken for damselflies. However, a closer look reveals the antlions’ distinct long antennae, setting them apart. Dr. Bijoy, one of the lead researchers, highlighted this distinguishing feature, adding that while antlions fall under the Neuroptera order, damselflies belong to the Odonata order.
But what truly intrigues many about antlions is their fascinating pit-building behavior. Although these specific new species don’t build pits, many in their family do, forming conical pits in the soil as a hunting strategy.
Dr. Bijoy shared more insights, revealing that these discoveries mark the first time the Nemoleon genus has been seen in the oriental region. Moreover, they’re the 125th and 126th antlion species to be recorded from India and the 5th and 6th species specific to Kerala.
These groundbreaking findings recently made their way to Zootaxa, a prominent international scientific journal. The research saw collaboration between the SERL team, including Dr. Bijoy and scholar Suryanarayanan T. B, and Hungarian expert, Dr. Levente Ábrahám.
