Spilomena malabarica

Spilomena malabarica Latest News

Scientists in India recently discovered a new species of wasp named Spilomena malabarica.

About Spilomena malabarica

• It is a new species of aphid wasp that hunts plant pests. 
• It was discovered in the Kozhikode district of Kerala.
• The scientists chose the specific name malabarica in honour of the historic Malabar region of Kerala, where the type specimen was collected. 
• This find marks the 11th species of this specific wasp genus found in India and the 98th discovered worldwide. 
• Measuring just over 3.5 millimetres long, this tiny black-and-brown insect shows highly distinctive features under a microscope. 
• It stands out from its closest relatives due to a specific wing pattern. 
• It possesses only a single submarginal cell, a distinct enclosed area formed by veins on its front wing. 
• While it shares this rare wing trait with its closest known cousin, Spilomena unus, the  Spilomena malabarica is easily distinguished by its head shape. 
• Its head is not unusually elongated; the distance between its eyes and the top of its head is well proportioned; and it features a flatter face, known scientifically as a less convex clypeus, setting it apart from other wasps in its family.

News: RM

‹ ›