In Context
- A new beetle species have been discovered in India, according to a paper published in the New Zealand-based journal Zootaxa.
- The new beetle species was discovered by a scientist from the Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre (WRC), Pune.
Key Facts
- It is necrophagous and also called a keratin beetle.
- Necrophagous are arthropods which feed directly on dead remains.
- This species belongs to the Trogidae family. With the addition of this new species, now there are a total of 14 extant species of this family in India.
- The beetles of this group are sometimes called hide beetles as they tend to cover their body under the soil and hide.
- They are not photogenic; they are usually black or grey and encrusted in dirt.
- Their bumpy appearance is distinct, with short, dense setae all over the body.
- It is mainly associated with bird and mammal nests or burrows.
Significance
- The beetle is important for forensic science as it helps detect the time of death of an animal or human.Â
Source: DTE
