In a significant scientific discovery, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of Collembola, commonly known as springtails, in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim. The finding once again highlights the Eastern Himalayas as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots and adds valuable new knowledge to India’s entomological records.
The newly discovered species has been named Neelus sikkimensis. This is the first time a species from the genus Neelus has been recorded in India, taking the total number of known species in this genus worldwide to eight. The discovery was made by the Apterygota Section of ZSI, led by scientists Gurupada Mandal and Kusumendra Kumar Suman. Their research has been published in the Journal of the Entomological Research Society.
Neelus sikkimensis is extremely small and shows special adaptations that allow it to survive in deep soil layers and moss-rich environments found in mountainous regions. Its size and structure make it well-suited for life hidden beneath the surface, where it plays an important ecological role.
ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee highlighted the importance of Collembola in maintaining healthy terrestrial ecosystems. Often overlooked due to their tiny size, springtails help decompose organic matter, improve soil structure, and support nutrient cycling. Their presence is considered a strong indicator of soil health and ecosystem stability.
The discovery of Neelus sikkimensis not only expands scientific understanding of soil-dwelling insects in India but also reinforces the need to conserve fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Scientists believe that many more such species remain undiscovered in these regions, waiting to reveal the hidden richness of India’s natural heritage.