Pseumenes Siangensis II A Unique Wasp Species II UPSC CSE

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Context:

The new species, Pseumenes siangensis, have been discovered in Upper Siang valley in Arunachal Pradesh.

*About*	This species of wasp is a member of the Eumeninae subfamily and genus Pseumenes. Potter wasps are the popular name for the Eumeninae family. It was found in the Eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the Upper Siang District. It was named after the Siang Valley, where it was discovered.
*Distribution*	It is distributed across the Sino-Indian biogeographic region, a region that includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China.
*Characteristics*	It is approximately 30.2 mm long. Its unique physical traits and colour patterns set it apart from other species. These are lone wasps. They can be recognized again by the little, pot-shaped mud structures they build, which serve as the larvae's nests.
*Ecological Importance*	The potter wasp plays a crucial role in pest control, with its larvae feeding on caterpillars and other insects.
*Significance of the discovery*	Around 3,695 species of this family of wasps have been described across 207 genera. Previously India had reported only one species of this genus, which makes the recent discovery of Pseumenes siangensis an important addition to India's wasp diversity.

Sources:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “Pseumenes siangensis” recently seen in the news:

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. All Three

D. None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

It is a species of wasp and belongs to the genus Pseumenes and the subfamily Eumeninae.
Eumeninaes are commonly called potter wasps.
It was discovered in Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, in the Eastern Himalayas.
It has been named after Siang Valley where it was found.

Statement 2 is correct:

It is distributed across the Sino-Indian biogeographic region, a region that includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China.

Statement 3 is correct:

Around 3,695 species of this family of wasps have been described across 207 genera.
Previously India had reported only one species of this genus, which makes the recent discovery of Pseumenes siangensis an important addition to India's wasp diversity