Clinidium lalitae Latest News
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently identified a new species of beetle named, Clinidium lalitae, from the northeast.
About Clinidium lalitae
- It is a newly found species of beetle.
- It was discovered in the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
- It has been named 'Clinidium lalitae', in tribute to the late Dr. Lalita Ray Chaudhury, a respected coleopterologist and former scientist at Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) .
- The 'Clinidium lalitae' beetle is characterised by its unique morphology and belongs to a rare group of ground beetles that inhabit forest floors.
- These beetles play a significant ecological role in nutrient cycling and soil health.
Key Facts about Talle Valley Wildlife SanctuaryÂ
- It is located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Situated at an elevation range of 1,200 to 3,000 meters above sea level, it spans an area of approximately 337 sq.km.
- It contains 20 percent of the floral and faunal species in India.
- Rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri flow through the sanctuary.
- The sanctuary is home to the Apatani tribe, known for their unique customs, traditions, and handicrafts.
- Flora:
- It has a stunning spectrum of subtropical and alpine forests like silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron.
- Pleioblastus simone is a bamboo variety only found in Talley Valley.
- It is also home to several medicinal plants and herbs used by the local tribes for traditional medicine.
- Fauna: It is home to a variety of animal species such as elephants, barking deer, giant squirrels, porcupines, leopards, clouded leopards, wild boars, etc.
Source: AT
Clinidium lalitae FAQs
Q1: Where was the beetle species Clinidium lalitae discovered?
Ans: Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Q2: What type of beetle is Clinidium lalitae classified as?
Ans: Ground beetle
Q3: The species Clinidium lalitae is named in tribute to which scientist?
Ans: Dr. Lalita Ray Chaudhury
