Context:
Indian researchers recently discovered a new ant species named Paraparatrechina neela from Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley.
About Paraparatrechina Neela:
Discovery:
- Paraparatrechina neela is a newly discovered ant species found in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
- It belongs to the rare genus Paraparatrechina and is named “neela” to reflect its unique blue color, as “neela” means blue in many Indian languages.
Significance:
- This discovery marks the first new species of Paraparatrechina in 121 years since the description of the previously known species, P. aseta (Forel, 1902), in the Indian subcontinent.
Features:
- Size: A small ant with a total length of less than 2 mm.
- Color: Predominantly metallic blue, except for the antennae, mandibles, and legs.
- Head: Subtriangular with large eyes, and a triangular mandible featuring five teeth.
- Distinctiveness: The species stands out for its distinct metallic blue color, unlike any other species in its genus.
-Source: The Hindu
