Researchers at Christ College, Irinjalakuda’s Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) have made significant progress in the study of insects by finding a new species of owlfly in the Malappuram forests.
This species belongs to the Neuroptera order and Myrmeleontidae family.
The species, named Protidricerus albocapitatus, was located in the Nedumkayam forest in Malappuram district – a lively area of the Western Ghats, recognized as one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world.
This finding is scientifically important. It represents only the second instance of the Protidricerus genus being documented in India, occurring a full 134 years after British entomologist McLachlan identified the first species in the country, Protidricerus elwesii, in 1891 from West Bengal.
A New Species ‘Owlfly’ Found In Kerala
Dr. Suryanarayanan points out that targeted surveys, especially in untouched forest regions, might reveal new species and distribution records of owlflies in India.
With this latest find, Kerala now boasts five known species of owlflies, raising India’s total to 37.
This study received backing from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Albo Capitatus
The name albocapitatus is derived from Latin – with albus meaning “white” and capitatus referring to the long tuft of white hairs on the head and the distinctly white club of the antenna.
Reason For Name
Although they can be mistaken for dragonflies at first glance, adult owlflies are distinct due to their long, clubbed antennae, large eyes, and their activity during twilight – features that led to the name ‘owlfly’.
They are part of the Neuroptera order, which includes holometabolous insects, unlike dragonflies, which are hemimetabolous insects belonging to the Odonata order.
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