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Discovery of three new Edible Bug Species in Northeast India

Researchers from ATREE and Modern College, Pune have discovered three new edible stink bug species in Arunachal Pradesh, belonging to the genus Coridius of the Dinidoridae family.

Discovery of New Edible Stink Bug Species

  • Researchers from ATREE and Modern College, Pune discovered three new edible stink bug species in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The newly identified species belong to the genus Coridius of family Dinidoridae (Hemiptera).
  • The three new species are named Coridius adii, Coridius insperatus, and Coridius esculentus.
  • Coridius adii is named in honor of the Adi tribe, who consume this species as food.
  • Coridius insperatus is distinct due to its four-segmented antennae and copper-colored back.
  • Coridius esculentus was discovered during a socio-economic survey and is known to cause intoxication when consumed in large quantities.
  • The study also rediscovered Coridius fuscus, Coridius laosanus, and Coridius assamensis, which had not been reported from the region for over 100 years.

Characteristics and Significance of the Discovery

  • Coridius bugs are relatively large, ranging from 15 mm to 25 mm in size.
  • These insects primarily feed on plant sap.
  • The discovery brings the total number of reported Coridius species in India to 13.
  • Researchers used an integrative approach combining phylogenetics, morphometric analysis, and classical taxonomy for identification.
  • The study revealed multiple undescribed lineages within the genus, suggesting potential for more new species.
  • This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Northeast India and the importance of further exploration in the region.
  • The research was supported by the Department of Biotechnology as part of a project documenting the bioresources of northeast India.

Entomophagy in Northeast India

  • Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is an age-old tradition widely practiced in Northeast India.
  • Many communities in the region rely on insects as a source of food, nutrition, and medicine.
  • The research team documented over 500 species of edible insects from across Northeast India.
  • Edible insects include grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, termites, bees, wasps, ants, cicadas, and aquatic insects.
  • Globally, around two billion people consume insects, with over 2,000 species recognized as edible.
  • The findings emphasize the potential of insects as a sustainable protein source to complement traditional livestock farming.
  • The study underscores the importance of preserving indigenous traditional knowledge systems in the Northeast region.

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