Scientists in the laboratory of Molecular Biodiversity Lab on the Government Arts College in Udhagamandalam have characterized the complete mitochondrial DNA of the “lost” type of hexapod. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The species of hexapoda originally described from Nilgiris almost a century ago, and recently “lost the original holotype sample”, which was “redeemed”, with complete mitochondrial DNA of the species – Ballistura Fitchoides, which was characterized by molecular biological laboratory in Udhagamandal.
“JR Dennis, a French scientist, identified the rare type of stripe (Colembolla) insects from Devarshola near Gudaluru in Nilgiris. The taxonomy of this group is very complex and underwent many revisions. Fitchoides in 1944 under the Fitchi group, which deposited in the middle of the National Scientific Natural Natural Age.
R. Sanil, Associate Professor of Zoology at Government Arts College in Udhagamandalam and the head of the laboratory of the molecular biological diversity in Udhagamandalam, along with their research students Anjooriya Jose and Narmadha S., worked with Dr. Mandala from zoos in India, India, India, India, India. They discovered a sample in Koavayal in the Wayanad district in Kerala, about 35 km from the Devarshola in Tamil Nadu. Since the original sample was lost (Holotype – a single type sample used to describe the species), this sample is called “neotype” and was obtained from accidental decomposition of waste from Roján, Mr. Sanil noted.
Although 21 species are recorded worldwide, the genetic data of this genus are not available. The research team has successfully characterized the complete mitochondrial DNA of this kind, a promising discovery that can throw light to solve the taxonomic complexity of the genera, scientists have noted.
Mr. Sanil said that the hinduisty characterizing the mitochondrial DNA was extremely difficult, especially from samples as small as hexapod. “Until now, there is almost no genetic data about the species anywhere in the world. It is a great pride that a small Nilgiris research laboratory, with limited financing, has been achieved despite the challenges,” added Mr. Sanil, who is also the main government and scientific college in Coonoor.
He also noted that the chief author, Mrs. Anjooriya Jose, comes from the Adivasi community in Wayanad, which is currently selected as a project scientist in India’s zoos in Chennai.
Published – 9 June 2025 20:45
