New Lichen Moth Species Discovered in Eastern Himalayas
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The known diversity of lichen moths in the Eastern Himalayas excluded Caulocera hollowayi. NOW: Caulocera hollowayi has been formally identified and added to the region's faunal database.
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BEFORE: Asura buxa was an undocumented species in the forested regions of West Bengal. NOW: ZSI scientists have officially classified Asura buxa, increasing the known endemic biodiversity of the area.
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BEFORE: Biological indicator data for air quality in these specific Sikkim and West Bengal micro-habitats relied on older species records. NOW: The discovery of these two specific lichen-dependent moths provides new, localized bio-indicators for monitoring mountain ecosystem health.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the newly discovered lichen moths in the Eastern Himalayas? 1. The species Caulocera hollowayi and Asura buxa were discovered by the Botanical Survey of India. 2. Lichen moths act as biological indicators for air quality because their caterpillars feed on pollution-sensitive lichens.