18th September 2024 (10 Topics)
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New Discovery of Dung Beetle Species
Context
Recent research in Bengaluru has brought a new focus to one of the city’s last remaining vast grasslands—the Hesaraghatta grasslands. Scientists have identified a new species of dung beetle, Onitis visthara, adding to the global count of such beetle species and underscoring the ecological importance of these grasslands.
About the New Species
- The newly discovered beetle, Onitis visthara, is part of a small but ecologically significant group of beetles.
- Dung beetles, of family Scarabaeidae, process and decompose cow dung by feeding, breeding, and nesting in it.
- Onitis species are tunnellers; they bury large quantities of cattle dung beneath the dung pat to provide food for their larvae.
- Onitis visthara is named for its relatively broader appearance (visthara is breadth in Kannada).
- The discovery adds to the global tally of Onitis species, bringing the total number to 179.
- In addition to Onitis visthara, two other new species were identified:
- Onitis kethai (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, Karnataka)
- Onitis bhomorensis (Tezpur, Assam)
- Ecological Role of Dung Beetles
- Waste Management: They decompose and bury dung, helping to reduce the volume of waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions. This function is particularly important in India, where livestock waste significantly contributes to climate change.
- Nutrient Cycling: By breaking down dung, beetles enhance soil fertility and nutrient availability.
- Soil Aeration: Their activities improve soil structure and aeration.
- Seed Dispersal and Parasite Control: Beetles also aid in the dispersal of seeds and help control parasites that could otherwise impact livestock health.
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