Spathaspina noohi

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the forests of Meghalaya: a new species of beetle, Spathaspina noohi, which also represents an entirely new genus, Spathaspina.

• Formally described by Indian entomologists, this remarkable beetle is characterized by a dramatic, sword-like spine on its back. This highly unusual anatomical feature prompted researchers to place it in a new genus within the subfamily Ceutorhynchinae. The genus name, Spathaspina, is derived from the Latin words “spatha” (sword) and “spina” (spine), directly referencing its prominent dorsal spine.
• The discovery was made in the Umran area of the Ri Bhoi district in Meghalaya, at an elevation of 781 meters.
• Weevils, to which this new beetle belongs, are part of the vast beetle family Curculionidae and are among the most diverse insect groups globally, with over 60,000 described species. While some are recognized as agricultural pests, many also perform vital ecological functions, including the control of invasive plant species and the maintenance of healthy plant-insect interactions.