THRISSUR, september 29, 2025
Researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, have discovered two new species of antlions belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae under the order Neuroptera.
The first species, Indophanes keralaensis, was identified from the forest regions of Sairandhri and Siruvani in Palakkad district as well as Pampadum Shola National Park in Idukki.
The name honours Kerala, where the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots, dominate the landscape.
The second species, Indophanes sahyadriensis, was recorded from Siruvani (Palakkad), Pakshipathalam and Thirunelly (Wayanad), and Ranipuram (Kasaragod). Its name refers to the Sahyadri, the local term for the Western Ghats, which harbours unique native habitats.
Genus Indophanes
The genus Indophanes is reported from China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It previously included nine species worldwide. With this discovery, the total has increased to 11. In India, the number of Indophanes species has risen to five, of which three are recorded from Kerala.
The findings have been published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa. Researcher at SERL and Assistant Professor at St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Suryanarayanan T. B., research supervisor and head of SERL Bijoy C., Assistant Professor of Christ College and Hungarian scientist Levente Ábrahám were behind this discovery.
Speaking about the broader significance of the discovery, Dr. Suryanarayanan noted: “This reinforces the crucial role academic institutions and local biodiversity surveys play in filling the gaps in India’s faunal inventory, particularly for lesser-known insect groups like antlions.”
Order Neuroptera
Antlions are often mistaken for damselflies due to their similar appearance but can be distinguished by their long, clubbed antennae.
They come under order Neuroptera which includes holometabolous insects while the damselflies come under order Odonata, which includes hemimetabolous insects.
Beneath loose soil
Many antlion larvae are known for constructing conical sand pits to trap prey. Larvae of the genus Indophanes do not build pits. Instead, they live beneath loose soil, sheltered from direct sunlight, wind, and rain.
With these two additions, Kerala now records 12 species of antlions, while India’s tally rises to 110, according to Dr. Bijoy.
The study was supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.
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