PARAPARATRECHINA NEELA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Indian researchers recently discovered a new ant species named Paraparatrechina neela from Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley.

Paraparatrechina neela

• About: It  is a newly discovered ant species found in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Taxonomy: It belongs to the rare genus Paraparatrechina and has been formally named Paraparatrechina neela.
• Significance of the Name: The name "neela" symbolizes the color blue in many Indian languages, reflecting the unique blue hue of this ant species.
• Historical Context: This discovery marks the first addition to the Paraparatrechina genus in 121 years since the identification of the sole previously known species, P. aseta (Forel, 1902), in the Indian subcontinent.
• Features of Paraparatrechina neela:

o It is a diminutive ant, measuring less than 2 mm in total length.

o The body of Paraparatrechina neela exhibits a predominantly metallic blue coloration, except for its antennae, mandibles, and legs.

o Its head is sub-triangular, featuring large eyes and a triangular mouthpart (mandible) with five teeth.

o Paraparatrechina neela is distinguished by its unique metallic blue coloration, setting it apart from other species within its genus.