Scientists have identified two rare bee species in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley that had never been recorded there before. Both species gather pollen and nectar from flowers found across the valley, and they use this collected pollen and nectar to produce honey.
A find from a Bengaluru-led research expedition
The two species were spotted by scientists from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, a Bengaluru-based research institute, during a scientific expedition carried out in the Siang Valley. Details of the discovery have recently been published in the European Journal of Taxonomy. According to the researchers, this find is not just about identifying two new species, it also offers a deeper understanding of biodiversity across the Eastern Himalayan region.
One named for its markings, the other for a tribal community
Both new species have now been given scientific names. The first has been named Elaphropoda triangulata, a name chosen because of the triangle-shaped markings visible on its abdomen. The second has been named Habropoda adii, a name given in honour of the Adi tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh.
Solitary bees that matter to farms and forests
These bees are not like the common honey-producing bees people are familiar with. Scientists describe them as solitary bees, meaning they do not live together in swarms but instead build and maintain their own individual nests. That makes them particularly valuable to agriculture and forests, since they carry out pollination as they travel between flowers. This pollination work directly supports higher yields in fruits, vegetables and several other crops that depend on it.
Only male bees found, further survey planned
For now, researchers have collected only one male specimen of each of the two new species. No female specimens have been recorded yet, which means detailed information about their lifespan, natural habitat, population numbers and behaviour remains largely unknown. Scientists have decided to continue and expand their survey work in the region so that both species can eventually be studied and understood more thoroughly.
Deforestation and infrastructure work seen as a risk
Researchers have cautioned that growing human activity, including deforestation, road construction and other infrastructure projects, could pose a threat to these rare bees. If their natural habitat is not adequately protected going forward, the long-term survival of both species could come under serious threat.
Another milestone for Arunachal's biodiversity record
Arunachal Pradesh has long been recognised for its dense forests and rich biodiversity, and several new plant and animal species have been discovered there in recent years. The identification of these two new bee species adds a significant new entry to that growing record of discoveries from the state.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the discovery highlights the state's extraordinary natural wealth and its scientific importance on a global stage. He also said it serves as a reminder of how essential it is to protect the fragile environment and biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.
