UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 19 June 2026

Mimeusemia kali Latest News

Scientists recently discovered a new species of forester moth named Mimeusemia kali in Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats.

About Mimeusemia kali

• It is a new species of forester moth.
• It was discovered in Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve in the m.
• It marks the first addition to the genus Mimeusemia in nearly 30 years.
• The genus Mimeusemia belongs to the forester moth group within the Noctuidae family.
• These colourful moths are primarily active during the day, although some species are also seen at dusk and may occasionally be attracted to light.
• Mimeusemia kali is distinct from closely related species because of its unique physical characteristics, reproductive structures and genetic features.

Key Facts about Moths

• Moths are a type of winged insect that belong to the order Lepidoptera, which they share with butterflies.
• There are around 160,000 known species of moths, far outnumbering butterfly species.
• Highly adapted, they live in all but polar habitats. 
• Moths vary greatly in size, ranging in wingspan from about 4 mm (0.16 inch) to nearly 30 cm (about 1 foot).
• Compared with butterflies, moths have stouter bodies and often duller coloring. 
• Some, like the luna moth or atlas moth, are vividly colored.
• Moth antennae are often feathery, unlike the thin and clubbed antennae of butterflies.
• The wings, bodies, and legs of moths are covered with dustlike scales that come off if the insect is handled. 
• Most moths are active at night, but some are diurnal.
• Although their larvae may be destructive to certain plants—and several moth species are economically significant pests—many moths are important pollinators of the world’s wild and domesticated flowering plants, and all stages of their life cycle are important to local food webs.  

Key Facts about Kali Tiger Reserve

• Kali Tiger Reserve, earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve,  is located in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka in the Western Ghats.
• It comprises two protected areas viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (475.018 Km²) and Anshi National Park (339.866 Km²).
• It shares a border with Bhimghad Wildlife Sanctuary in the north, which is further connected to Radhanagari and Koyna wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. 
• To the west, it shares borders with five protected areas in Goa.
• River: The Kali River, which forms the major source of water for Uttara Kannada, flows through the tiger reserve, hence the name.
• Vegetation: Forests are primarily moist deciduous and semi-evergreen, with excellent patches of evergreen forests in the westernmost parts as well as in deep valleys. 
• Flora: The reserve is rich in plant diversity, featuring species like teak, silver oak, eucalyptus, bamboo, and various medicinal plants.
• Fauna: 
  • Animals found in the reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild dog, Sambar, Spotted deer, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Hanuman langur, Bonnet macaque, etc.
  • The area holds one of the highest populations of Great Indian Hornbills in the Western Ghats.
  • It is also home to rare black panthers.

News: TOI