Discovery of Losgna Occidentalis
The discovery of a new species of parasitic wasp, Losgna Occidentalis, from Chandigarh highlights the unexplored richness of India's biodiversity amidst the threats of habitat loss and climate change.
Study Details
- A recent study published in Zootaxa describes the rediscovery of the Losgna genus in India after nearly six decades.
- The genus was last documented in India through Heinrich's 1965 monograph, with no records existing in any Indian institution since then.
Description of New Species
- The new specimen was collected from a windowsill in Chandigarh's urban dry scrub forest during winter 2023–24.
- It marks the first formal description of a new insect species from Chandigarh.
Significance of Losgna Occidentalis
- The name 'Occidentalis' signifies the westernmost known occurrence of the genus, which was previously recorded only in eastern India and Southeast Asia.
- The only existing specimens are preserved in museums in London, Oxford, and Munich, dating back to the British era.
Importance of Taxonomy
Ritesh Kumar Gautam emphasized the significance of taxonomic work for understanding and conserving ecosystems, highlighting Hymenoptera's role as pollinators and biological control agents.
- The discovery underscores the potential for new species to be found locally, encouraging responsible exploration and international collaboration.
