Fri Aug 15 09:09:51 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Researchers in Kerala have identified nine new species of solitary bees from the Nomiinae subfamily, marking the first documented presence of these species in the region. The discovery includes a rediscovery of a species not seen in over a century. This significantly boosts Kerala’s biodiversity record and highlights the ecological importance of solitary bees as vital pollinators and soil enhancers. The research was conducted by a team from Christ College and K. K. T. M. Govt. College, with funding from KSCSTE and UGC.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Buzzes with New Bee Discoveries, Cementing State’s Biodiversity Hotspot Status**
*Thrissur, August 15, 2025* – Kerala’s biodiversity has received a significant boost with the discovery of nine species of solitary bees from the Nomiinae subfamily, marking their first documented presence in the state. The groundbreaking research, conducted by the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab at Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, and published in the *Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics*, highlights the critical role these often-overlooked pollinators play in the ecosystem.
The newly identified species include *Austronomia capitata, Austronomia goniognatha, Austronomia ustula, Gnathonomia argenteobalteata, Hoplonomia incerta, Lipotriches torrida, Lipotriches exagens, Lipotriches minutula,* and *Lipotriches pulchriventris*. Notably, the team rediscovered *Gnathonomia argenteobalteata*, a species unseen in India for over a century.
“These findings put Kerala on the global map for Nomiinae diversity,” stated Dr. Bijoy C., Assistant Professor and Head of the Lab. He emphasized the vital role of solitary bees as pollinators, contributing to both ecological sustainability and agricultural productivity.
Unlike honeybees, solitary bees live independently, with each female constructing and provisioning her own nest. Besides their pollination duties, these bees, which nest in the ground, contribute to soil aeration, moisture retention, and overall fertility.
The research team, including doctoral students Athul Sankar C., Vishnu A. V., and Anju Sara Prakash, alongside Dr. Shaji E. M. from K. K. T. M. Govt. College, are celebrating the findings, which reveal that Kerala now boasts 42 species of Nomiinae, representing a significant percentage of India and South India’s known fauna in this subfamily. The project was supported by grants from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
This discovery underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect Kerala’s rich biodiversity and the vital roles these often-unseen creatures play in our ecosystem. The findings will likely spur further studies into the region’s insect population and its contribution to environmental health.
First Piper 