Clinidium lalitae

16-04-2025

04:32 AM

1 min read

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.

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.

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.

Q1. Where was the beetle species Clinidium lalitae discovered?

Ans. Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Q2. What type of beetle is Clinidium lalitae classified as?

Ans. Ground beetle

Q3. The species Clinidium lalitae is named in tribute to which scientist?

Ans. Dr. Lalita Ray Chaudhury

Source: AT