THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A new species of ‘Digger Wasp’ discovered by a scientist of the Zoological Survey of India has been named after Kalesh S, a researcher and doctor based in Thiruvananthapuram. One of the two new wasp species discovered in southern India’s habitats has been given the name ‘Miscophus kaleshi’ after Dr Kalesh S who has researched the taxonomy of butterflies, ants, odonates, cicadas and mantises in the Western Ghats.
Dr Kalesh has discovered around 28 new species, including the recent discovery of a new species of Silverline butterfly (cigaritis meghamalaiensis) from Srivilliputtur Megamalai Tiger Reserve.
The discovery of the new species comes from the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team from the Zoological Survey of India and the University of Calicut, led by K Girish Kumar. Girish Kumar is known for his contributions to entomology and taxonomy within the diverse insect life of the Western Ghats. The discovery of the new species emphasises the extensive biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. Dr S Kalesh, who is a plastic surgeon by profession, has been doing taxonomy and research for the past 25 years. “The biodiversity of Western Ghats is unparalleled and is a gold mine for researchers. Unfortunately, taxonomists are becoming scarce and this area of research is facing neglect. Even though I am not formally trained in taxonomy my work is being accepted by the scientific community,” said Kalesh.
The new species was named after him as an honour for his exceptional contributions to studying biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
“This is a huge honour for me and I have become immortal. My name will live on even after my lifespan,” he added. Dr Kalesh is presently working at Thrissur Medical College Hospital and pursuing research activities in the Western Ghats and conducting outreach programmes for the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS) -- an NGO that conducts studies in the Southern Western Ghats. Girish Kumar, who led the team that discovered the new species, said Dr Kalesh’s contribution to natural history studies on ants, butterflies, odonates, cicadas and mantids of the Western Ghats is truly remarkable.
28 new species discovered by Kalesh
Dr Kalesh, a researcher based in Thiruvananthapuram has discovered around 28 new species, including the recent discovery of a new species of Silverline butterfly (cigaritis meghamalaiensis) from Srivilliputtur Megamalai Tiger Reserve.