Guwahati: Meghalaya has added another species to its growing list of scientific discoveries, with researchers identifying a previously unknown firefly from Mawsynram, reinforcing the state’s reputation as one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
The new species, Pygoluciola mawsynram, has been described by Emma Magdalene Nonglang, Dhiraj Kumar Das, Samrat Sengupta and Jane Wanry Shangpliang in the latest issue of the Asian Journal of Conservation Biology.
Named after Mawsynram—the world’s wettest place, where it was first recorded—the discovery raises the number of known species in the rare Pygoluciola genus to 29 worldwide.
The finding is the latest in a string of discoveries showcasing Meghalaya’s extraordinary biological wealth. In recent years, scientists have identified new species of bees, freshwater algae and other organisms from the state, suggesting that many of its forests, streams and grasslands remain scientifically underexplored.
The researchers surveyed 29 locations in and around Mawsynram during the pre-monsoon season of 2024 but found the firefly at only 10 sites, indicating that it may have a highly restricted distribution. The insect was recorded in moist grasslands, semi-evergreen forests, and around streams and waterfalls, where males become active after dusk.
The team combined detailed morphological studies with modern DNA barcoding to confirm that Pygoluciola mawsynram is genetically distinct from all previously known members of the genus, making it a new species.
Reflecting on the discovery, co-author Jane Wanry Shangpliang said it carries a message that extends beyond taxonomy.
“The discovery of a new species of firefly is not just a scientific milestone; it is a call to protect the forests where these fragile lights still shine,” she said.
The authors named the species after Mawsynram not only because it was first discovered there but also as a tribute to the Khasi community’s long-standing tradition of conserving nature through sacred groves and other indigenous practices that have helped preserve the region’s unique biodiversity.
The study notes that despite India’s rich firefly diversity, these bioluminescent insects have received little scientific attention for more than a century, leaving many species yet to be discovered. The researchers say the finding highlights the need for more systematic biodiversity surveys across the Northeast.
For Meghalaya, the discovery is another reminder that its ecological significance extends far beyond its record rainfall. As scientists continue to uncover species new to science, the state is increasingly emerging as one of India’s most important frontiers for biodiversity research—one whose natural habitats deserve equal attention for conservation.
Also Read: IIT Guwahati-led study says Subansiri project must do more for communities
You just read a story that took days to report. Help us keep our reporters on the ground in the Northeast.
Ad-free reading, support and keep important stories alive
Support once (any amount)
Scan to pay via UPI