- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) have discovered seven species of water treaders semi-aquatic insects.These insects can walk or run on the surface of the water.
- The newly described species belong to the genus Mesovelia whose size ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm.
- These insects are equipped with hydrophobic setae(bristles) on their legs.The combination of hydrophobic setae and water surface tension prevents them from sinking.
- Mesovelia species are hemimetabolous insects without having larval stage which means they go from egg to nymph to adult.There are 12 species of genus Mesovelia found in the country
- They are found mostly in freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, pools, streams, rocks with moss and sometimes on estuaries.
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), under the Environment ministry is the premier Indian organisation in zoological research and studies to promote survey, exploration and research of the fauna in India.
