New Springtail Species Neelus sikkimensis Discovered in Sikkim

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of Collembola (springtails) in the high-altitude region of Sikkim.

The discovery, published on December 1, 2025, marks the first-ever record of the genus “Neelus” from India, reinforcing the Eastern Himalayas as a global biodiversity hotspot.

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New Springtail Species Neelus sikkimensis Discovered in Sikkim

First Indian Record of Genus Neelus

The newly identified species has been named Neelus sikkimensis. With this finding:

• The total number of known species in the genus Neelus has increased to eight worldwide
• India has recorded this genus for the first time
• The discovery significantly enriches India’s soil biodiversity documentation

Until now, species of this genus were known only from regions outside India.

Research Team and Scientific Publication

The study was conducted by the Apterygota Section of the Zoological Survey of India.

Key contributors:

• Gurupada Mandal (Lead researcher)
• Kusumendra Kumar Suman (Team member)

The findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the Entomological Research Society, ensuring scientific credibility and rigorous validation.

Distinctive Biological Characteristics

Researchers identified several unique features of Neelus sikkimensis:

• Extremely small body size, adapted for life in soil and moss layers
• Complete absence of eyes, typical of subterranean organisms
• Distinctive labral chaetotaxy (unique arrangement of mouth bristles)

These characteristics clearly distinguish the species from other members of the genus.

Ecological Importance of Springtails

Collembola (springtails) play a vital role in ecosystem functioning:

• Aid in decomposition of organic matter
• Support nutrient cycling
• Act as bio-indicators of soil and environmental health

Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI, highlighted that micro-arthropods form the foundation of soil food webs. Lead researcher Mandal stressed the need for more taxonomic studies across India’s diverse climatic zones to better understand these ecologically critical organisms.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Neelus sikkimensis is the first Indian record of genus Neelus
• Discovered in high-altitude Sikkim
• Collembola are commonly known as springtails
• Springtails act as bio-indicators of soil health
• Findings published on December 1, 2025

Question & Answer

Q1. What is the name of the newly discovered springtail species found in Sikkim?
(a) Neelus himalayensis
(b) Neelus indicus
(c) Neelus sikkimensis
(d) Neelus orientalis
Answer: Neelus sikkimensis

Q2. The genus “Neelus” was recorded in India for the first time from which state?
(a) Uttarakhand
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Sikkim
Answer: Sikkim

Q3. Collembola are commonly known as which of the following?
(a) Beetles
(b) Springtails
(c) Silverfish
(d) Mites
Answer: Springtails

Q4. Which organisation discovered the new species Neelus sikkimensis?
(a) Wildlife Institute of India
(b) Botanical Survey of India
(c) Zoological Survey of India
(d) Forest Survey of India
Answer: Zoological Survey of India

Q5. Springtails are considered important bio-indicators of which system?
(a) Marine ecosystem
(b) Atmospheric quality
(c) Soil and environmental health
(d) Freshwater ecosystem
Answer: Soil and environmental health

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