Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has announced the discovery of two hidden gems – tiny soil-dwelling arthropods called Collembola, or springtails – in West Bengal.

What are these species

The newly described species, Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana, are only a few millimetres long, but their importance to the environment is immeasurable. Collembola play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, recycling nutrients, and maintaining healthy soil ecosystems.

The discovery was made by ZSI’s Apterygota section, led by Dr. Guru Pada Mandal, with researchers Mrs. Pritha Mandal and Dr. Surajit Kar. Their findings were published earlier this month in the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa.

So what makes these species special? Salina aurantiamaculata is named for its striking bright orange markings – an unusual pigment pattern among its peers. Its counterpart, Salina pseudomontana looks very similar to the already known Salina montana, but detailed study revealed unique traits in its arrangement of body bristles and the structure of its furcula, a tiny forked appendage used for jumping. Both species belong to the cosmopolitan “celebensis” group of Collembola.

New entry in the catalogue

For ZSI scientists, this find is more than just a new entry in a catalogue. “This last time a Salina species was recorded in India was in 1979. After more than four decades, these two new additions bring the country’s tally to 17 species,” said Dr. Mandal. “This study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to fully comprehend the diversity of these organisms and their impactful contributions to soil ecosystems,” he added. It shows us that there is still so much to uncover about the hidden diversity beneath our feet.

ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee praised the team, stressing the bigger picture: “Collembola are unsung heroes of soil ecosystems. They improve soil structure, aid nutrient cycling, and serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Their role, though often overlooked, is fundamental for the ecosystem.”

Springtails are among the oldest land-dwelling hexapods on Earth, dating back hundreds of millions of years. Found in leaf litter, decaying wood, and soil, they thrive quietly in habitats most of us overlook. Yet, as scientists point out, their abundance and sensitivity make them invaluable in monitoring pollution, climate change, and agricultural sustainability.

The study also revised descriptions of two little-known endemic species and provided an updated identification key for Indian Salina.

For ZSI, which has been documenting India’s faunal wealth since 1916, the discovery is another reminder that even in the most ordinary patch of soil, extraordinary life is waiting to be found.