Kolkata, Dec. 23 -- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have announced the discovery of a new species of Collembola-tiny, soil-dwelling micro-arthropods-in the high-altitude landscapes of Sikkim.
This landmark finding, published on December 1, 2025, underscores the Eastern Himalayas' status as a critical biodiversity hotspot and adds a new chapter to India's entomological records.
The newly identified species, named Neelus sikkimensis, is the first representative of the genus Neelus ever recorded in India. The discovery brings the global species count for this specific genus to eight.
The scientific significance of the research was conducted by the ZSI's Apterygota Section under the leadership of Guru Pada Mandal, alongs...