Steneucyrtus wayanadensis

Steneucyrtus wayanadensis Latest News

Recently, researchers have identified a new species of darkling beetle, named Steneucyrtus wayanadensis in Kerala. 

About Steneucyrtus wayanadensis

• It is a new species of darkling beetle.
• It belongs to the genus Steneucyrtus, was discovered during a scientific survey deep within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• The researchers have officially named it for paying permanent tribute to its type locality in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Features
  • It possesses a striking blackish body that gleams with a uniform golden-greenish metallic iridescence.
  • It has completely flat hard front wings, called elytra, without any rough, wrinkled texturing (rugosity).
  • It also has shallower puncture marks and a distinct impression at the base of the fifth striae in the humeral region.

Key Facts about Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the state of Wayanad, Kerala.
• It forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It is bordered by the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka on the northeastern side and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the southeastern side.
• Rivers: Rivers like the Kabini, Cherupuzha, and Bavali flow through the sanctuary.
• Tribes living in these forests include some scheduled adivasis, such as Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas.
• Vegetation: It is a mosaic of the Western Ghats’ significant vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
• Flora: Teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.
• Fauna: It is home to leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and jungle cats

Source: RM

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