New Parasitic Wasp Species Discovered in Chandigarh After 60 Years
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Discovery | A new parasitic wasp species, Losgna occidentalis, was found in Chandigarh, marking the rediscovery of the Losgna genus in India after nearly 60 years. |
| Family & Behavior | Belongs to the Ichneumonidae family, known for laying eggs on or inside other arthropods. |
| Historical Context | The genus Losgna had not been recorded in India since Heinrich's 1965 monograph. No Indian institutions held records post-1965. |
| Location of Discovery | Found on a windowsill in Chandigarh (winter 2023-24). Named occidentalis due to its presence in western India, unlike earlier sightings in tropical forests of eastern India and Southeast Asia. |
| Preserved Specimens | Previously known specimens were housed in: Natural History Museum (London), Hope Collection (Oxford), Zoologische Staatssammlung Munchen (Munich). |
| Scientific Significance | Revives taxonomy of the Losgna genus, underscoring the importance of biodiversity documentation. |
| Ecological Role | Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps, sawflies) are key pollinators and biological control agents, contributing to ecosystem balance. |
| Urban Biodiversity | Highlights biodiversity potential in urban areas, including degraded habitats like dry scrub forests. |
| Mega-Diverse Insect Orders | Hymenoptera is among the four most diverse insect orders, alongside Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (flies), and Lepidoptera (moths/butterflies). |