A newly discovered species of ant fly, Metadon reemeri, belonging to the subfamily Microdontinae (Syrphidae), discovered in the Sirvuvani Hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have discovered two new species of extremely rare ant flies from India – one from the disturbed urban forest of Delhi and the other from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu – highlighting the importance of conserving urban green spaces and biodiversity hotspots.
The newly discovered species, Metadon ghorpadei and Metadon reemeri, belong to the subfamily Microdontinae (Syrphidae). These flies are known for their unique association with ants, as their larvae live inside the ant nest and feed on the ant’s offspring, a specialized behavior called myrmecophilia that makes them exceptionally rare and difficult to detect. So far, only six species of the genus Methadone have been reported from India.
A new species of ant fly, Metadon ghorpadei, belonging to the subfamily Microdontinae (Syrphidae), discovered in the North Ridge Forest of Delhi. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
These species were discovered by H. Sankararaman, Assistant Professor, School of Agricultural Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam, Coimbatore, and SS Anooj, Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, under Kerala Agricultural University. The findings, based on detailed morphological studies and DNA analysis, were published in the international journal Zootaxa.
According to Mr. Anooje, both morphological characteristics and DNA analysis were used to establish the novelty of the two species. The study also reviewed the Indian fauna of the genus Methadone and newly described six previously known species.
He said Methadone ghorpadei was discovered in Delhi’s northern ridge forest, a disturbed urban forest zone surrounded by roads, traffic and dense residential areas.
The northern range is part of the Delhi Range, an extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, and is only about one percent of its original extent due to fragmentation and human pressure.
Mr Anooj said the species was found in an area of moderately dense vegetation in an otherwise thorn scrub forest, underscoring the hidden faunal value of urban forests. Scientists warn that conservation efforts in Indian cities largely focus on green cover rather than habitat-specific biodiversity, putting these rare species at risk.
A second species, Methadon reemeri, was discovered in the Siruvani hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot with high endemism, are largely protected, but lesser-known insect groups such as the Microdontinae remain understudied, Mr Anooj said.
He said members of the Microdontinae are rare because adult flies rarely visit flowers and tend to stay close to an ant nest.
Globally, many species of Microdontinae are considered rare or threatened due to their specialized habitat requirements and patchy distribution. Of the 454 species reported worldwide, only 27 are known from the Indian subcontinent.
The researchers emphasize the need for targeted research, detailed mapping of Microdontinae habitats and stricter regulation of human activities in sensitive areas. Control of invasive plant species and restoration of native vegetation are also recommended to support habitat restoration.
Researchers are calling for extensive surveys in other Indian regions, including the Vindhya region, the Deccan Plateau and the northern plains, along with molecular phylogenetic studies to better understand species divergence and endemism.
Published – 20 Jan 2026 20:05 IST
