Why in News?
Researchers announced the rediscovery of Myiophanes kempi after a gap of nearly a century. The species was recently found in the limestone caves of the Andaman Islands.
About
- Originally described from the Siju Cave in Meghalaya in 1924.
- Range Extension: This finding extends the known distribution of the species by over 1,000 km southeast of its original type locality.
- Subterranean Importance: The discovery highlights the "hidden biodiversity" of India's under-explored subterranean ecosystems and underscores the ecological significance of cave habitats.
Taxonomic Background:
- Scientific Name: Myiophanes kempi.
- First Described: In 1924 by British entomologist William Edward China.
- Family: Reduviidae (Assassin bugs).
Habitat and Environment:
- It is a specialised predator of subterranean ecosystems, completing its entire life cycle in total darkness.
- The species is highly adapted to the nutrient-poor and stable conditions found in limestone cave systems.
Physical Characteristics:
- Body Type: It has a very slender, "thread-like" body.
- Hunting Tools: Possesses elongated raptorial forelegs used specifically for snatching and immobilising prey, such as small arthropods.
Research and Rediscovery:
- The recent study was published in the journal Subterranean Biology in March 2026.
- Researchers from the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) and other institutions identified the specimens collected from the Baratang Island cave complex.
- The study provided the first detailed illustrations of the male genitalia of the species, correcting long-standing taxonomic gaps.
Ecological Context: Siju Cave
- Located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, Siju Cave (also known as the "Bat Cave" or Dobakkol) is one of the longest limestone caves in India at 4.7 km.
- While it was the original home of Myiophanes kempi, recent surveys in 2019 at Siju failed to find the bug, making its sudden appearance in the Andamans even more significant for scientists.
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