Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of lichen moths which is being considered a historic milestone in Indian entomology. The ZSI researchers have identified two environmentally crucial species named Caulocerahollowayi S Singh, N Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026 and Asurabuxa Bhattacharya, S Singh & N Singh, 2026 near Golitar in Sikkim and Panijhora in Alipurduar district of West Bengal respectively.
According to researcher Santosh Singh, there are around 12,000 species of moths in India most of which are found in the subtropical forests of the Eastern Himalayan region. The North-Eastern parts of the country have these light emitting organisms in abundance.
Notably, moths are divided into groups or orders according to their specific features. One of the groups of moths are called Lepidoptera that include the winged species. “Because of their morphological distinctiveness, including a unique arrangement of body scales, specific chaetotaxy (bristle patterns), and specialized appendage structures, the newly discovered species Caulocerahollowayi S Singh, N Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026 and Asurabuxa Bhattacharya, S Singh & N Singh, 2026 belongs to the Lepidoptera group,” inform Mr Singh. These species are diagnosed with external morphology like wing colouration and fascia arrangements, as well as differences in the external genitalic structures like, uncus, valva, tegumen, juxta and aedeagus.
As pointed out by the scientist, the newly discovered species are indicator species of air pollution in the region of their habitat. “The discovery of Caulocerahollowayi S Singh, N Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026 and Asurabuxa Bhattacharya, S Singh & N Singh, 2026 are vital contributions to the documentation of India’s moth biodiversity,” reiterated Dr Dhriti Banerjee, director of the Zoological Survey of India. “Research into evolutionarily significant and lesser-known groups like Lepidoptera is essential for understanding ecosystem functioning and air pollution indicator species of Indian Himalaya. This success underscores the necessity of sustained taxonomic efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Himalayas,” she added.
The newly discovered species are said to be belonging to the ‘Lithosiini Tribe’ of moths and mostly occur in places with less air pollution. The caterpillars of these moths feed on the lichens which always grow in environments that have no or minimum air pollution. Their presence or absence at a place thus indicates air pollution. The finding, therefore, is being considered crucial as it opens avenues for further research like their role in the food web.