Two New Army Ant Species Found in Andhra’s Eastern Ghats
Why in the news
Researchers from Karnataka and Odisha reported two previously unknown army ant species from Andhra Pradesh, underlining the biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.
Key facts
- New species: Aenictus chittoorensis and Aenictus lankamallensis.
- Site: Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Region: southern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh.
- Discoverers: scientists from Karnataka and Odisha.
About army ants
Army ants are highly social, nomadic predators. Their traits include:
- Hunting together in coordinated mass raids.
- Large colonies that behave like one unit.
- Constant movement instead of a fixed nest.
They rank among the most efficient group hunters in tropical ecosystems.
Exam angle
- Genus of the new species: Aenictus.
- Sanctuary: Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh.
- Habit of army ants: nomadic, with raiding behaviour.