Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

A new beetle species Clinidium lalitae has been discovered by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India.

The species was found in Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.

The beetle is named after the late Dr. Lalita Ray Chaudhury a renowned coleopterologist and former ZSI scientist.

About Clinidium lalitae

Attribute	Details
Beetle Group	Belongs to a rare group of ground beetles
Habitat	Forest floors, important for forest ecosystems
Ecological Role	Contributes to nutrient cycling and soil health
Unique Features	Known for its distinct morphology; adapted to life in leaf litter

Parameter	Details
Location	Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh
Area	~337 sq. km
Elevation	1,200 to 3,000 meters above sea level
River Systems	Rivers: Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri
Biodiversity Share	Hosts 20% of India’s floral and faunal species
Inhabitants	Apatani Tribe known for traditional knowledge and unique handicrafts
Flora	Silver fir, bamboo, orchids, ferns, rhododendrons Pleioblastus simone – endemic bamboo
Medicinal Plants	Rich in herbs used in traditional tribal medicine
Fauna	Elephants, barking deer, clouded leopard, wild boar, giant squirrel, etc.

Aspect	Details
Scientific Order	Coleoptera – the largest order in the animal kingdom
Diversity	Over 400,000 described species with thousands yet to be discovered
Body Structure	Hard exoskeleton, forewings modified into elytra (protective covers)
Habitat	Found in almost all ecosystems: forests, deserts, freshwater, soil
Diet	Varies – herbivores, predators, decomposers, pollinators
Ecological Roles	Nutrient recycling, pollination, pest control, soil aeration
Economic Significance	Some species are pests (e.g., boll weevil); others beneficial (lady beetles)
Conservation Concerns	Affected by habitat loss, pesticides, climate change
Beetle Specialists	Scientists who study beetles are called coleopterologists