In a significant discovery for entomology, researchers have identified two new species of ants belonging to the rare Ooceraea genus in India. These species, which add to the biodiversity of the region, were found in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Their identification provides important insights into the diversity and characteristics of this genus.
Distinct Antennal Features
The key characteristic that sets these newly discovered ant species apart from other members of the Ooceraea genus is the number of segments in their antennae. Typically, the genus Ooceraea is known to have species with varying numbers of antennal segments, ranging from eight to eleven. However, these two new species are unique as they both possess ten-segmented antennae, a feature not previously observed within this genus. This distinct trait helped researchers identify them as separate species.
Ooceraea joshii: A Tribute to Prof. Amitabh Joshi
One of the two new species has been christened Ooceraea joshii, a name chosen to honor Prof. Amitabh Joshi, a distinguished biologist affiliated with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR). JNCASR is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. Prof. Joshi’s contributions to the field of biology have been significant, and naming one of the new ant species after him serves as a recognition of his work.
Discovery in Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Ooceraea joshii species was discovered in the lush forests of Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve. This reserve, known for its rich wildlife and biodiversity, provided the perfect habitat for the new ant species to thrive undetected until now. The discovery in such a protected area emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in uncovering unknown species and understanding our planet’s biodiversity.
Research Team and Discovery Process
The discovery of these ant species was made by a dedicated team led by Prof. Himender Bharti from Punjabi University. The research team’s keen observations and systematic study of the ants’ morphology led to the identification of the ten-segmented antennae, which was a breakthrough in distinguishing the new species from the existing ones within the Ooceraea genus.
Expanding the Ooceraea Genus
With the addition of these two new ant species, the Ooceraea genus now comprises 14 known species. Prior to this discovery, the genus had species with nine-segmented antennae (eight species), eleven-segmented antennae (five species), and one species with eight-segmented antennae. The introduction of species with ten-segmented antennae expands the known diversity within the genus.
Ooceraea Diversity in India
Before this finding, there were two species of the Ooceraea genus recorded in India, each with different antennal segmentation—one with nine segments and the other with eleven. The addition of these new species with ten-segmented antennae not only contributes to the country’s ant fauna but also highlights the ecological variety present in India’s forests.
Publication of the Discovery
The details of the discovery, along with the scientific description of the new ant species, have been published in the ZooKeys journal. This peer-reviewed outlet is known for disseminating significant zoological findings, and the publication of these new species ensures that the information is accessible to the global scientific community for further research and study.
