Big breakthrough: Six scarab beetles found in India’s biodiversity hotspots

Guwahati: In a thrilling leap for conservation science, six new species of scarab beetles have been discovered in India’s ecological treasure troves—Northeast India and the Western Ghats. Published in the journal Zootaxa, this discovery adds vibrant new threads to the rich tapestry of India’s insect diversity and underscores how much of the natural world is still waiting to be explored.

Five new beetle species have been discovered in Northeast India and one in Kerala.

The research, led by Dr. Devanshu Gupta, Dr. Debika Bhunia, Dr. Dirk Ahrens, and Dr. Kailash Chandra, sheds light on the subfamily Sericinae, a group of plant-eating scarabs with a fascinating ecological role. These beetles aren’t just pretty insects with clubbed antennae—they’re soil warriors, recyclers of organic matter, and sometimes, uninvited guests in our fields.

Tiny Creatures, Big Roles

Scarab beetles (family Scarabaeidae) are best known for their dung-rolling antics, but their ecological value goes much deeper. They aerate soil, recycle nutrients, and even help control pests in livestock environments. India is home to over 2,200 scarab species, yet many regions remain vastly underexplored.

The newly described species—Maladera champhaiensis, Maladera barasingha, Maladera lumlaensis, Maladera onam, Neoserica churachandpurensis, and Serica subansiriensis—represent a significant expansion in our understanding of Sericinae diversity. The beetles were identified through a painstaking examination of museum specimens, particularly from the Zoological Survey of India’s National Zoological Collection in Kolkata.

What’s in a Name?

Each beetle tells a story—not just through its biology but also its name. Maladera champhaiensis hails from Champhai in Mizoram. Neoserica churachandpurensis nods to Churachandpur, Manipur. Maladera barasingha is named after the swamp deer, with a nod to the beetle’s antler-like reproductive structure. Maladera lumlaensis was discovered in the misty hills of Lumla, Arunachal Pradesh. Serica subansiriensis is home in Subansiri, also in Arunachal. Maladera onam celebrates the iconic Onam festival in Kerala, where it was found.

Biodiversity Hotspots in Focus

The discoveries spotlight two of India’s most ecologically significant regions. Northeast India, part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, continues to amaze with its unexplored insect fauna. The discovery of five species here reaffirms its status as a living laboratory of evolution and endemism. The Western Ghats, where Maladera onam was discovered, are already famed for their flora and fauna. Each new insect found here deepens the case for stricter conservation measures.

More Than Just Discovery

These beetles are more than taxonomic trophies. Sericinae beetles, many of which are crop pests, play complex roles in ecosystems. Knowing where they live and how they behave helps scientists better manage pests and understand food webs.

“This research highlights the critical role of international cooperation in advancing scientific knowledge and conservation outcomes,” said Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.

Collaborating across borders, the team included experts from the Zoological Survey of India and Germany’s Museum A. Koenig—an example of how partnerships can yield global insights from local ecosystems.

The study doesn’t stop at discovery. It also brings in 28 new state records, including Maladera bengalensis in Goa and M. seriatoguttata in Maharashtra, which widen our map of beetle distribution.

“There is a need for further sampling, especially in northeastern India,” noted Dr. Devanshu Gupta, Scientist-D at the Zoological Survey of India. “Closing knowledge gaps is essential for a deeper understanding of these beetles’ ecology, which is vital for both conservation and pest management.”

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