New Delhi: Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of Lepidoptera, marking a major milestone in Indian entomology. The newly identified lichen moths are Caulocerahollowayi S. Singh, N. Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026 and Asura buxa Bhattacharya, S. Singh & N. Singh, 2026.
The findings, published on March 2, 2026, in the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa, also include seven new lichen species records from India, according to an official statement.
Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI, highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating that identifying Caulocerahollowayi and Asura buxa contributes to documenting India’s moth biodiversity.
She noted that studying lesser-known groups such as Lepidoptera is essential to understanding ecosystem functions and to identifying air pollution indicator species in the Indian Himalaya.
She emphasized that the success underscores the importance of continued taxonomic research in biodiversity hotspots.
The research team included Dr. Navneet Singh (Scientist E, ZSI Kolkata), Dr. Santosh Singh (Scientist B, CZRC Jabalpur), and Ms. Srishti Bhattacharya (UGC SRF, ZSI Kolkata). The specimens were collected from Golitar, Sikkim, and Panijhora, West Bengal.
The species are distinguished by their unique wing coloration and fascia arrangements, which make them visually distinct from other lichen moths. Their bristle patterns, also known as chaetotaxy, provide additional morphological evidence for classification. Differences in external genital structures, including the uncus, valva, tegumen, juxta, and aedeagus, further confirm the uniqueness of these species.
These moths play an ecological role as air pollution indicators because their caterpillars feed on lichens, which are sensitive to environmental changes.
In a post on X, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav acknowledged the importance of the discovery, noting that it is a significant contribution to documenting India’s moth biodiversity.
He mentioned that research on lesser-known groups like Lepidoptera is essential for understanding ecosystem functioning in the Himalayas and emphasized the need for sustained taxonomic efforts. He congratulated all the lepidopterists involved in the discovery.
