ZSI scientists discover six new Scarab Beetle species in India, reinforcing urgency for conservation efforts
Times of India | 12 April 2025
Representative Image KOLKATA: In a scientific breakthrough, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with Germany’s Museum A. Koenig, have discovered six new species of Sericinae scarab beetles from the biodiversity-rich regions of India. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Zootaxa, shed new light on the country’s largely unexplored insect diversity and underscore the critical importance of continued ecological research and conservation.
The research team—comprising Devanshu Gupta, Debika Bhunia, and Kailash Chandra from ZSI, along with Dirk Ahrens from Museum A. Koenig—conducted a meticulous analysis of beetle specimens housed at the Coleoptera Section of ZSI in Kolkata and the Museum A. Koenig in Germany. Their study not only revealed six previously undocumented species belonging to the genera Maladera, Neoserica, and Serica, but also identified new regional records for 28 other beetle species.
Newly Discovered Species: Maladera champhaiensis — Mizoram, Neoserica churachandpurensis — Manipur, Maladera barasingha — Named after the Indian swamp deer, Maladera lumlaensis — Arunachal Pradesh, Serica subansiriensis — Arunachal Pradesh, Maladera onam — Kerala
“These discoveries highlight the critical role of international cooperation in advancing biodiversity research,” said Dhriti Banerjee, director, ZSI. “By accurately identifying and documenting species, scientists provide essential data for conservation planning and ecological management. The need for intensified sampling in underexplored regions like Northeast India is more urgent than ever.”
Significance of the Regions: Northeast India: As part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, this region is known for its high levels of endemism and ecological sensitivity. Five of the six newly discovered beetle species were found here, emphasizing the need to protect its fragile ecosystems. Western Ghats (Kerala): The identification of Maladera onam from this UNESCO World Heritage site adds to the growing list of endemic species and draws attention to the mounting conservation pressures on this vital region.
The study also reported new state records for Maladera bengalensis in Goa and Maladera seriatoguttata in Maharashtra, expanding the known distribution of these species.
According to Devanshu Gupta, Scientist-D and Officer-in-Charge of the Coleoptera Section at ZSI, understanding the distribution and ecology of beetle species offers both environmental and economic benefits. Some Sericinae beetles are agricultural pests, while others contribute to soil health. Early identification can support eco-friendly pest control strategies and reduce dependence on harmful chemicals, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the environment.
“Biodiversity isn’t just about protecting rare species,” Gupta noted. “It’s about understanding ecosystems, supporting sustainable agriculture, fostering ecotourism, and empowering local communities.”
This landmark discovery not only deepens scientific understanding of India’s vast insect diversity but also reinforces the urgency of conservation and international collaboration. As pressures on biodiversity continue to mount, such research plays a pivotal role in shaping effective strategies to safeguard the planet’s natural heritage.