Written by Parthivee Mukherji
Beneath our feet, in the dark layers of the soil we rarely notice, live some of nature’s most vital yet invisible workers. This week, scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two such hidden gems of tiny soil-dwelling arthropods, which are invertebrates with segmented bodies, called Collembola, or springtails, in West Bengal.
The newly discovered species, Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana, are only a few millimetres long, but their importance to the environment is immeasurable. Collembola play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, recycling nutrients, and maintaining healthy soil ecosystems.
The discovery was made by ZSI’s Apterygota section, ZSI, Kolkata, led by Dr Guru Pada Mandal, with researchers Pritha Mandal and Dr Surajit Kar. Their findings were published earlier this month in the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa.
Salina aurantiamaculata is named for its striking bright orange markings – an unusual pigment pattern among its peers. Its counterpart, Salina pseudomontana, looks very similar to the already known Salina montana. But a detailed study revealed unique traits in its arrangement of body bristles and the structure of its furcula, a tiny forked appendage used for jumping. Both species belong to the cosmopolitan “celebensis” group of Collembola.
For ZSI scientists, this finding is more than just a new entry in a catalogue. “The last time a Salina species was recorded in India was in 1979. After more than four decades, these two new additions bring the country’s tally to 17 species,” said Dr Mandal. “This study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to fully comprehend the diversity of these organisms and their impactful contributions to soil ecosystems,” he added.
Lauding the team, ZSI Director Dr Dhriti Banerjee said, “Collembola are unsung heroes of soil ecosystems. They improve soil structure, aid nutrient cycling, and serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Their role, though often overlooked, is fundamental for the ecosystem.”
Springtails, the oldest land-dwelling hexapods
Springtails are among the oldest land-dwelling hexapods on Earth, dating back hundreds of millions of years. Found in leaf litter, decaying wood, and soil, they thrive quietly in habitats most of us overlook. Yet, as scientists point out, their abundance and sensitivity make them invaluable in monitoring pollution, climate change, and agricultural sustainability.
The study also revised descriptions of two little-known endemic species and provided an updated identification key for Indian Salina.
(Parthivee Mukherji is an intern with The Indian Express)