PARADIP: The scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered new species of water strider, including marine skaters, from Paradip. On the other hand, Anopheles sundaicus mosquitoes from Gopalpur area was sighted after a gap of 30 years.
A team of scientists from ZSI, led by Swetapadma Dash, conducted a study in different areas of Paradip and other coastal areas of the State under All-India Coordinated Project on Capacity Building in Taxonomy (AICOPTAX) scheme.
As no research has been conducted to study the sea water striders of principal estuaries in Eastern Coast of India, ZSI carried out a study on this family of insects and its distribution along the Eastern Coast and their diversity. The findings will contribute significantly to the knowledge of diversity of the marine insect groups and the taxonomic data will contribute to the biological database. The resulting data will be useful for better understanding of community structure, seasonality and future plans related to the area concerned, sources said.
As per reports, the AICOPTAX has funded the Diversity of Water-Striders (Hemiptera, Gerridae) from Principal Estuaries of Eastern Coast to invent the species of the aquatic insects belonging to Gerridae group, a family of insects in the order of Hemiptera, commonly known as water striders, water bugs, pond skaters and water skippers. They distinguish themselves by having the unusual ability to walk on water, making them pleuston (surface-living) animals.
During a three-day drive, the scientists visited Mahandai river mouth and Kaudia river and discovered marine skaters known as Gerridae for the first time in Paradip. Water striders, also called as marine skater or skimmer, are small and reddish colour insects that adapt themselves for life on top of still water. By repelling water, they stand on the water’s surface and the captured air allows them to float and move easily. The Olive Ridley turtles feed them during nesting season in the Bay of Bengal.
Senior scientist Dash said, “After 30 years, we discovered another anopheles sundaicus mosquitoes from Gopalpur area. The mosquitoes were seen in coastal areas about 30 years back. But now, we found it and sent it to the ZSI for a detailed study. The detailed description of all new species which were found in Paradip and Gopalpur will be published once the project report is out, she added.