Scientists have discovered a new species of springtail in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim, marking the first time this particular genus has been recorded in India. The discovery has added an important chapter to the country’s growing list of insect species and has once again drawn attention to the rich but fragile biodiversity of the Himalayan region. The species was identified by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India, one of the country’s leading scientific bodies involved in documenting animal life. The newly discovered springtail belongs to the genus Neelus and has been named Neelus sikkimensis, after the state where it was found. With this finding, the total number of known species under the genus Neelus worldwide has risen to eight.
The research was carried out in the high-elevation areas of Sikkim, where the climate and terrain create unique ecological conditions. Sikkim lies within the Eastern Himalayas, a region that scientists across the world recognise as a global biodiversity hotspot. Many plant and animal species found here do not exist anywhere else, making scientific studies in the area especially valuable. The study was conducted by the Apterygota Section of the Zoological Survey of India and was led by senior scientist Gurupada Mandal, along with researcher Kusumendra Kumar Suman. Their findings were published in the Journal of the Entomological Research Society, a respected international scientific journal. According to the researchers, Neelus sikkimensis is extremely small and lives deep within soil and moss layers. Its body structure shows special adaptations that help it survive in cold, high-altitude environments.
These features are shaped by the tough ecological conditions found in mountain regions, where temperature, moisture, and soil composition vary sharply. Springtails, scientifically known as Collembola, may be tiny, but they play a major role in nature. They help break down organic matter in the soil and support nutrient recycling, which in turn helps plants grow. Speaking on the discovery, Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India, said such findings highlight the importance of studying lesser-known organisms that quietly support entire ecosystems.