Long-horned beetle species recorded for the first time in city localities

SHILLONG, June 14: A species of long-horned beetle has been documented for the very first time in Meghalaya by Amit Rana, Assistant Zoologist at the North Eastern Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, and Lobeno Mozhui from the Department of Zoology, Nagaland University.
An article on this subject elaborating the findings in details was recently published in Halteres, Volume 13, an international journal in the field of Entomology.
The species, Oplatocera (Epioplatocera) oberthuri belonging to the family of Cerambycidae, the members of which are commonly known as the long-horned beetles under the order Coleoptera which in turn includes other beetle species, was recorded and collected from various locations in East Khasi Hills District, including Risa colony, Madanrting, Nongrah and Mawblei.
A thorough research and careful analysis of the collected specimens, which included elaborated study of the physical features and taxonomy, had confirmed that this is the first time this particular species has been documented from the state, though it has been reported on earlier occasions from few other states of India.
In neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and China, the occurrence of this long-horn beetle species has been already confirmed.
This species is characterised by the presence of two slanting blackish brown bands on either sides of the forewings positioned in a side by side manner, the colour of the body in turn being of that of cinnamon brown. They have a pair of long antennae projecting from the head region which are characteristics of long-horned beetles. Body length is medium.
Since long-horned beetles are not gregarious (sociable) and they do not have a specific habitat, the task of tracing and catching one is quite tedious and at times challenging.
The authors believe that the distribution of this species has to be there in the remaining districts in the state.
A thorough research and more expeditions in this field can definitely lead to the collection of additional specimens belonging to this specific species from the other districts within the state in the future, the authors added.