Why is it in the news?
Researchers discovered two new species of fruit flies during a study in the Himalayan foothills.
The discovery expands scientific knowledge of insect biodiversity in India.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Two new species identified: Acidoxantha paratotoflava and Hemilea suneriae.
● Discovered in the Solan region of Himachal Pradesh.
● Acidoxantha paratotoflava is a medium-sized greenish-yellow fly.
● It has four distinct black stripes on its thorax and large black spots on the abdomen.
● Hemilea suneriae is reddish-brown with prominent black dots.
● It has a unique wing pattern with a clear “window” in a dark region.
● Researchers recorded the genus Rhagoletis in India for the first time.
● The study also described the male of Euphranta nigripeda, previously known only from a female specimen since 1913.