Three New Centipede Species Discovered in South India

Scientists have discovered and described three new centipede species belonging to the genus ***Rhysida*** from Southern India, bringing India's total count of these species to 23.

- Research Team: The discovery was led by researchers from the Western Ghat Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kozhikode alongside Malabar Christian College.

- The Three New Species:

  1. **Rhysida quadrispinosa:** Named after its unique biological feature of having four ventrolateral spines on its ultimate leg prefemur.

  2. **Rhysida coorgensis:** Named after Coorg in Karnataka, where the initial specimen was discovered.

  3. **Rhysida neyyarensis:** Named after the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.

- Research Methodology: Researchers identified the specimens through detailed morphological examinations of unclassified centipede records housed within the National Zoological Collection at ZSI.

- Ecological Significance: The find highlights the incredible biodiversity of the Western Ghats, emphasizing invertebrate evolution, soil ecology, and regional endemism.

- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): Established on July 1, 1916; Headquarters - Kolkata, West Bengal.

- Western Ghats: A globally recognized mountain chain and UNESCO World Heritage Site known as a major biodiversity hotspot.

- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Q: How many new centipede species were recently discovered and described in Southern India?

A: Three (3) new species

Q: The newly discovered centipede species belong to which genus?

A: Rhysida

Q: After which protected area in Kerala was the centipede species 'Rhysida neyyarensis' named?

A: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Q: Where is the headquarters of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) located?

A: Kolkata, West Bengal

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