Mawlynnong, dubbed as Asia’s cleanest village, has added another distinction to its name with the discovery of a new species of firefly, as researchers documented Meghalaya’s first-ever scientifically recorded luminous insects in the area, officials said on Friday.
The study, led by Emma Magdalene Nonglang of Assam Don Bosco University, identified two previously unknown species, Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong, the latter named after the village where it was first recorded, they said.
While D. meghalayanus was found across multiple habitats in the state, D. mawlynnong was observed in the dense forested surroundings of Mawlynnong village close to the India-Bangladesh border.
Researchers said the fireflies were located in relatively undisturbed habitats, including semi-evergreen forests and bamboo patches near rocky streams, areas marked by minimal human interference and very low levels of artificial lighting.
Field observations showed that D. meghalayanus thrives in cool, humid conditions of 18-20 degrees Celsius, with males emitting soft green flashes while flying at heights of 10-15 metres above the ground.