Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers Neelus sikkimensis, first Neelus genus Collembola in India

Key facts

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of Collembola named Neelus sikkimensis in Sikkim's high-altitude regions.
• Neelus sikkimensis is the first of its genus to be recorded in India, expanding the global genus count to eight.
• The ZSI's Apterygota Section, led by Gurupada Mandal and Kusumendra Kumar Suman, conducted the research and published findings in the Journal of the Entomological Research Society.
• The species possesses unique biological traits suited for life in deep soil and moss, and Collembola play a crucial role in maintaining terrestrial ecosystem health.