Pseudocapritermes novus

Pseudocapritermes novus Latest News

Researchers recently discovered a new species of soil-dwelling termite named Pseudocapritermes novus within the lush forests of West Bengal.

About Pseudocapritermes novus

• It is a new species of soil-dwelling termite.
• It was discovered during an exploration of the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal.
• It is different from the usual termites that are destructive in nature.
• These soil-feeding termites play a crucial role in enriching the earth by feeding on soil and humus, making them vital indicators of an ecosystem’s soil health and fertility. 
• This discovery brings the total number of Pseudocapritermes species found in India to five. 

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Pseudocapritermes novus Features

• The new termite stands out from its closest relatives in the unique shapes of its mouthparts and body armour. 
• Like others in its group, this insect belongs to a special club of termites known for their asymmetrical, snapping jaws, which they use to defend themselves or raise an alarm by producing a loud clicking sound. 
• However, compared to its closest known cousin, P. bhutanensis, the newly discovered species boasts a strongly bent left jaw with a slightly incurved tip, a more rounded swollen section below its beak, and a longer, wider postmentum (the lower part of its mouth).  
• It also features strong, prominent spurs on its front legs. 
• Compared with another close relative, P. tikadari, the new insect has a noticeably wider head.

Source: RM