In News:

At a time when habitat loss and climate change threaten countless species, the discovery of a new species of parasitic wasp - named ‘Losgna Occidentalis’ from Chandigarh has drawn attention to the unexplored richness of India’s biodiversity.

Location of Discovery

• Place: Chandigarh, Union Territory of India
• Habitat: Urban dry scrub forest
• Time: Winter of 2023–24
• Significance: First formal description of any insect species from Chandigarh

Species Description

• Name: Losgna occidentalis
• Genus: Losgna (Ichneumonidae family – Parasitic wasps)
• Group Role: Parasitic wasps known for laying eggs inside/on arthropod hosts
• Ecological Role: Pollinators and biological control agents (important in ecosystems)

Historical Context

• Losgna genus was last recorded in India in 1965, in Heinrich’s monograph
• No Indian records or specimens existed post-1965 in any institution
• Only known specimens (of other Losgna species) are preserved in:
  • Natural History Museum, London
  • The Hope Collection, Oxford University
  • Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany

Naming Rationale

• "Occidentalis" (Latin for "Western")
• Signifies the westernmost known range of the genus
• Earlier Losgna records were only from:
  • Northeast India
  • Southeast Asia (tropical forests)

• Published in Zootaxa (peer-reviewed journal for animal taxonomy)

Importance & Implications

• Rediscovery highlights India’s hidden and threatened biodiversity
• Emphasizes the critical role of taxonomy in conservation
• Shows potential for citizen-led discoveries and backyard biodiversity
• Demonstrates the need for:
  • Responsible specimen collection
  • International scientific collaboration
  • Support for underfunded taxonomy sectors