Aspect

Details

Species Name

Losgna Occidentalis

Discovery Location

Chandigarh (Urban dry scrub forest)

Discovery Period

Winter 2023–24

Published In

Zootaxa

Rediscovery Context

First record of the genus Losgna in India after nearly six decades

Last Indian Record

Heinrich’s monograph (1965); no records in Indian institutions since

Significance of the Name

‘Occidentalis’ refers to the westernmost known occurrence of the genus

Previous Geographic Range

Eastern India and Southeast Asia

Specimen Status

Only known specimens preserved in museums in London, Oxford, and Munich (dating back to the British era)

Scientific Importance

First formally described insect species from Chandigarh

Ecological Role (Hymenoptera)

Important as pollinators and biological control agents

Importance of Taxonomy

Essential for understanding ecosystems, encouraging conservation, local exploration, and global scientific collaboration

Conservation Message

Discovery highlights India's unexplored biodiversity and the urgent need to protect habitats amid threats like climate change and urbanization

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to Losgna occidentalis, recently discovered in India, consider the following statements:

1. It was discovered in a dry scrub forest ecosystem located in an urban area of northern India.
2. The species belongs to a genus of amphibians that was last recorded in India during the early 20th century.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Losgna occidentalis was discovered in Chandigarh’s urban dry scrub forest during winter 2023–24.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The genus Losgna belongs to the insect order Hymenoptera, not amphibians, and was last recorded in India in 1965, not the early 20th century.