Salina Aurantiamaculata and Salina Pseudomontana

Salina Aurantiamaculata and Salina Pseudomontana Latest News

Recently, scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two new Collembola, or springtails species — Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana.

About Salina Aurantiamaculata and Salina Pseudomontana

• Salina aurantiamaculata is named for its striking bright orange markings – an unusual pigment pattern among its peers.
• Its counterpart, Salina pseudomontana, looks very similar to the already known Salina montana.
• Both species belong to the cosmopolitan “celebensis” group of Collembola. 
• Collembola improves soil structure, aid nutrient cycling, and serves as indicators of ecosystem health. Their role, though often overlooked, is fundamental for the ecosystem.”
• The last time a Salina species was recorded in India was in 1979. After more than four decades, these two new additions bring the country’s tally to 17 species.

What are Collembola Springtails?

• These are among the oldest land-dwelling hexapods on Earth, dating back hundreds of millions of years.
• Habitat: They are found in leaf litter, decaying wood, and soil, they thrive quietly in habitats most of us overlook.
• Significance: Their abundance and sensitivity make them invaluable in monitoring pollution, climate change, and agricultural sustainability.

Source: IE

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