Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of Collembola, commonly known as springtails, in the high-altitude soils of Sikkim, underscoring the rich but largely unexplored biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

The newly identified species has been named Neelus sikkimensis. The findings, published on December 1 in the Journal of the Entomological Research Society, mark the first recorded presence of the genus Neelus in India. With this discovery, the total number of known Neelus species worldwide has risen to eight.

The research was led by Gurupada Mandal of ZSI’s Apterygota Section, along with Kusumendra Kumar Suman. According to the study, the species is adapted to life in soil and moss, reflecting the unique ecological conditions of high-altitude Himalayan environments.

ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee said that springtails, though minute in size, play an important role in maintaining terrestrial ecosystem health, particularly in soil nutrient cycling. The discovery further highlights the Eastern Himalayas as a significant biodiversity hotspot and reinforces the need for continued scientific exploration in the region.