Guwahati, June 9 -- A fascinating new discovery has emerged from the rich forests of Meghalaya, a unique species of beetle that has not only been identified as a new species but also classified under an entirely new genus.

The insect, named Spathaspina noohi, belongs to the weevil family and features a striking sword-like spine on its back, an anatomical trait so rare that it led scientists to place it in a newly created genus called Spathaspina.

This new genus name combines Latin words spatha (meaning sword) and spina (meaning spine), inspired by the beetle's prominent spine. The beetle was found in the Umran area of Ri Bhoi district in Meghalaya at an elevation of 781 metres.

The discovery was made by entomologist S S Anooj from Kera...