Shillong, May 1: Mawlynnong, dubbed as Asia’s cleanest village, has added another distinction to its name with the discovery of a new species of firefly, as researchers documented Meghalaya’s first-ever scientifically recorded luminous insects in the area, officials said on Friday.
The study, led by Emma Magdalene Nonglang of Assam Don Bosco University, identified two previously unknown species, Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong, the latter named after the village where it was first recorded, they said.
While D. meghalayanus was found across multiple habitats in the state, D. mawlynnong was observed in the dense forested surroundings of Mawlynnong village close to the India-Bangladesh border.
Researchers said the fireflies were located in relatively undisturbed habitats, including semi-evergreen forests and bamboo patches near rocky streams, areas marked by minimal human interference and very low levels of artificial lighting.
Field observations showed that D. meghalayanus thrives in cool, humid conditions of 18-20 degrees Celsius, with males emitting soft green flashes while flying at heights of 10-15 metres above the ground.
In contrast, D. mawlynnong is associated with denser forest canopies. While males also fly at higher altitudes, the wingless females were found beneath rocks, producing a slower and longer-lasting glow, the researchers explained.
The finding is significant as there were previously no published records or museum specimens of fireflies from Meghalaya.
Nonglang said firefly populations are highly sensitive to light pollution, noting that the loss of natural darkness often leads to their decline.
Co-researcher Jane Wanry Shangpliang said fireflies act as key indicators of environmental health and ecological balance.
The team believes Meghalaya’s varied topography and elevation gradients could harbour a rich but largely undocumented diversity of firefly species, highlighting the need for further scientific surveys. (PTI)
