-Scientists have discovered six new species of water beetle from water bodies of the of Manipur.
-These new species are: Enochrus nigropiceus, Chasmogenus abnormalis, Paracymus Sp, Elmomophes brevicornis, Hydrocanthus guinuoti, Helochares atropiceus.
– These species help in nutrient recycling and improving food chain in water bodies.
-These six species were discovered as part of a three year study on importance of aquatic beetle (coleoptera) in fresh eco-systems of Manipur.
-These beetles consume aquatic species like fleas, flatworms, mosquito larvae and frog tadpoles, and in this way they maintain flood balance in the water bodies.
– Zoological Survey of India (Kolkata) maintains the list of water beetles discovered in India, most in the rainy areas of north-east and Western Ghats.
-Although these species are new for Zoological Survey of India, yet locals popularly call them Tharaikokpi macha and have known them for years.
-The aquatic beetles are an indicator of health of a wetland.
-They are important in aquatic ecosystems both in larval and adult stages as they are responsible for nutrient recycling and natural food web in the freshwater eco-systems.
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