In March 2026, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two new species of lichen moths: ‘Caulocerahollowayi S. Singh, N. Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026’ and ‘Asura buxa Bhattacharya, S. Singh & N. Singh’, 2026 from the Eastern Himalayas, enhancing India’s biodiversity records.
- The findings were published in Zootaxa, an international taxonomic journal.
About New Species of Lichen Moths:
Discovery Locations: Caulocerahollowayi was identified from specimens collected near Golitar in Sikkim, while Asura buxa was discovered in Panijhora, West Bengal (WB).
Etymology: The species were named by the scientists Navneet Singh (ZSI, Kolkata, WB), Santosh Singh (Central Zone Regional Centre, ZSI, Jabalpur(Madhya Pradesh, MP)), and Srishti Bhattacharya (UGC Senior Research Fellow, ZSI), who formally described and identified them in the study.
Scientific Characteristics: The species were identified based on external morphology such as wing colouration, fascia patterns, and structural differences in genitalia. Unique features include distinct body scales, bristle patterns (chaetotaxy), and specialised appendages.
Pollution Indicator: Lichen moths serve as vital indicators of air pollution. Their caterpillars feed primarily on lichens, which are highly sensitive to atmospheric quality.
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