Kerala's Biodiversity Boost: New Flower Fly Species Found

Researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) of Christ College, Irinjalakuda, have discovered two new flower fly species in Kerala: Mesembrius bengalensis and M. quadrivittatus.

Discovery and Research Team

Two new flower fly species discovered in Kerala: Mesembrius bengalensis and M. quadrivittatus
Found by researchers from Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) of Christ College, Irinjalakuda
Discovery locations: Kole wetlands and Vilagan Kunnu hillocks in Thrissur district
Findings published in ENTOMON journal
Research team:
- Athul Sankar C. (research scholar at SERL)
- Bijoy C. (Assistant Professor, Christ College)
- Shaji E.M. (Associate Professor, K.K.T.M Government College)

Flower Flies: Characteristics and Importance

Belong to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera
Known as flower flies due to frequent flower visits
Mimic bees or wasps to avoid predators
Important pollinators in ecosystems
Larvae serve as biological control agents and nutrient recyclers
59 species of flower flies previously known in Kerala
New discoveries increase the total to 61 species

Mesembrius bengalensis: Spotlight on a New Species

Common name: Bengal tiger beetle
Primarily found in South Asia
Distinctive shiny appearance for camouflage
Predatory insect, mainly feeding on smaller insects
Larvae known for digging holes to catch prey
Habitat includes forests and grasslands
Diurnal (active during the day)
Complex mating behaviors, though not fully understood
Conservation status unclear due to habitat loss

Significance of the Discovery and Future Research

Highlights the rich biodiversity of Kerala
Demonstrates ongoing entomological research in the region
Publication includes key characteristics and images for easy identification
Aids in understanding species distribution through public participation
Emphasizes the importance of wetlands and hillocks as habitats
Potential for further discoveries in unexplored areas
Implications for ecosystem health and pollination studies

Compressed Biogas Plant Launch

India has launched its first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. This is a big step toward renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable rural development

Project Dolphin India

Project Dolphin India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at conserving India’s dolphin species, both in rivers and marine ecosystems. Launched under the theme of human

Madhya Pradesh’s Gaj Rakshak App

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is not only famous for its tigers but has also become home to a growing population of elephants. With this increase, human-elephant conflicts have e

Mountain Ecosystem Explained

The fragile mountain ecosystem of the Himalayas is facing unprecedented climate risks and ecological challenges. At the 12th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-XII) held in Dehradun, ex

Draft 2025 Solid Waste Management

India marks 25 years since its first Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Rules in 2000. Over the years, the country has seen evolving regulations and infrastructure aimed at cleaner cities, but many urban

Floods and Landslides in Hilly Regions

The current monsoon has brought unusually intense rainfall to hilly states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, exacerbating the incidence of floods and landslides. Rivers are swelling to per

India’s CO₂ Emissions Drop in 2025

India’s CO₂ emissions have always been a critical issue in the context of sustainable development, economic growth, and climate change. For the first time outside a crisis period like the

National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025

Initiative to expand India’s clean energy portfolio, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has launched the National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025. This marks India’s f

Gangotri Glacier System Melting

The Gangotri Glacier System is the primary source of the Ganga River, with its flow comprising snowmelt, glacier melt, rainfall-runoff, and base flow. Historically, snowmelt dominated the annual f

Current Sundarbans Tiger Population

The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal has recently made headlines as it expanded in August 2025, following approval from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL). This expansion adds 1,04