Antlion species

About Antlion species:

• These two new antlion species belongs to the Myrmeleontidae family of order Neuroptera. 
• Antlions are commonly known for their pit-building habit.
• Larval stages of only some antlion genera construct the conical pits in loose dry soil as their predation strategy.
• Larvae of Nemoleon do not build pits, live under the surface in loose soils where they are protected from direct sunlight, wind and rain.
• Antlions can be easily distinguished by their long distinct antennae.
• The genus Nemoleon is reported for the first time from oriental region.
• This is the 5th and 6th antlion species reported from Kerala and 125th and 126th species from India.
• These are found throughout the world, primarily in dry, sandy regions.
• The research was conducted with financial assistance from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Q1) What is CSIR?

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of India's premier research and development organizations. Established in 1942, CSIR operates as an autonomous body under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), which, in turn, is part of the Ministry of Science and Technology in the Government of India.

Source: Two new antlion species were discovered in Kerala.