Clinidium lalitae

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.

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Key Facts about Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 

• 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