Description

Arpactophilus species

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Context:

In a groundbreaking discovery for Indian entomology, researchers have identified a new species of aphid wasp, Arpactophilus pulawskii, in Nagaland’s Khuzama district.

Type	Arpactophilus, established by Smith in 1863, is a small yet intriguing group of aphid wasps, comprising 74 known species worldwide.
Native Region	It is found in the Australasian region. Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified and cataloged the species, which signifies a major range expansion. The nearest known species was previously found in Indonesia.
Distinctive Features	Square-shaped head with inverted V-shaped uplifted clypeus. Rust-colored body markings Uniquely textured thorax
Morphological Variation	Differences in body length and head shape, with some members showing modifications in size.
Social Behavior	Among the few social wasps, exhibiting social behavior.
Nesting Behavior	Females use silk from the abdomen to create protective cells. Nesting in old termite galleries or mud nests
Significance of Discovery	Marks the first recorded presence of the Arpactophilus genus outside Australasia.

About the Zoological Survey of India:

It was founded on 1 July 1916 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India as a premier Indian organization in zoological research and studies to promote the survey, exploration, and research of the fauna in the country.

Headquarters: Kolkata.

Source: eastmojo.com

Otavalo’s Andean mouse

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Context:

This tiny creature, identified as Thomasomys otavalo or Otavalo’s Andean mouse, was found near Mojanda, a dormant volcano with a caldera filled with lakes.

Location Found	Mojanda is a dormant volcano with a crater-filled lake, approximately 50 miles from Quito in northern Ecuador's high Andes mountains.
Native Habitat	Temperate, high-altitude Andean montane forests.
Named After	Otavalo culture is known for its musical legacy, expert weaving, and textile industry.
Size	Significantly larger than similar species.
Back Hair	Shorter compared to similar species.
Fur Texture	Fine, dense, and soft.
Back and Sides Color	"Dark drab" on the back, with sides appearing more brownish.
Stomach Fur Color	Lighter gray with a hint of "ground cinnamon," creating a gradient effect.
Tail	Longer than the total body length, covered in fine hairs, with a row of white-tipped scales at the end.
Distinctive Feature	Unusually long tail compared to body length.

Source: TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The term ‘Arpactophilus’ was recently in the news. It is related to which among the following?

(a) Tribe

(b) Fungus

(d) Virus

Answer: c

Explanation:

It is a new species of aphid wasp (target aphids as prey). It was discovered in Nagaland’s Khuzama district at an altitude of over 1,800 meters. Arpactophilus are restricted to the Australasian region with the majority of the 43 described species distributed in Australia.