Researchers from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute have identified three previously unknown moth species in the high-altitude Himalayas.
Discovered during surveys in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, these findings reveal the hidden biological treasures of India’s northern mountains.
The study utilized night traps and advanced DNA analysis to confirm the uniqueness of these insects .
The new species were named to honor local cultures and physical traits, such as Gelechia adi, named after the Adi tribe, and Istrianis ladakhensis from Ladakh.
Detailed microscopic examinations of their wings and reproductive organs distinguished them from known relatives. These tiny moths play vital roles in their specific ecosystems .
This discovery highlights the importance of ongoing taxonomic research in a region known for its vast biodiversity.
The type specimens have been preserved at the National Pusa Collection in New Delhi, ensuring that these new members of the animal kingdom remain available for future scientific study .
