Figure: Phragmataecia ishuqii Rayhan, Jahan and Hulbosch, 2023
Bangladesh gets a completely new species of moth namely Phragmataecia ishuqii!! This species is described from the University of Chittagong campus, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh. Despite being a small contribution to science, the discovery of this new species is significant since it is the first species of moths that has been named so far from this country in last 76 years, after the departure of British people.
Although the British people ruled and exploited our Indian subcontinent, their contribution to our science is undeniable. For example, the beginning of scientific research on moths in Indian subcontinent was done by the British workers. After the departure of the British, the study of moths expanded widely in neighboring India due to the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), but our knowledge and understanding of these insects in Bangladesh has remained to almost zero level.
Moths are an important group of Lepidoptera and are siblings of butterflies. From pollination of plants to comfortable silk fabrics - moths play an important role everywhere. Furthermore, research on moths is even more important for an agricultural country like Bangladesh, as moths are among the most common pests of most crop plants, including rice.
No detailed work has actually been done on moths in Bangladesh. Although the British workers described several species of moths from erstwhile Sylhet, there is no significant work on moths from this country later.
Despite being a dull colored one, without any attracting pattern, the moth we have discovered is very important. From the taxonomic point of view, this moth is a species of the genus Phragmataecia belonging to the less known but diverse family Cossidae.
Most of the moths of this family are commonly called Goat Moths because their body emits a pungent smell like goat at their adult stage. On the other hand, their caterpillars pierces the stems of various plants and eats through tunnels, just like a carpenter is drilling holes in wood with his tool to insert nails, so these moths are also called Carpenter Moth.
The genus Phragmataecia has so far 41 described species distributed worldwide. The species we have discovered is the 42nd addition to this list! This new moth species differs from all others in external features as well as in the structure of the male genitalia. In butterflies and moths, their male and female genitalia work as a lock and key mechanism. Therefore, the genital structure of each species differs from others.
Based on the male genitalia and several external features, we have named this moth as an entirely new species after my respected teacher late Md. Ishuq Ali who taught me the basics of science and was an inspiration of my life. The caterpillars of moths of this genus are known to eat by piercing the stems of Phragmites grasses, however the biology of this new species is yet to discover.
Figure: Habitat of the new species
The new species inhabits small hills with slightly altered vegetation situated in front of the Faculty of Biological Science on the University of Chittagong campus. It is the largest University campus in Bangladesh with about 2100 acres (8.5 km2 ) of land area, and is situated between 22°27′30″–22°29′0″ N and 91°46′30″–91°47′45″ E and is located about 6 km east of the Bay of Bengal. This area is hilly with about 72% hills of moderate elevations (approximately 40‒50 m above the sea level) containing altered as well as unaltered vegetation, lakes, ponds and plain lands and valleys. The campus contains an enormous biodiversity with a vast number of flora and fauna.
Previously, one species of frogs and one species of lady beetles were described as new species from this county. These earlier works, along with the new moth species described by us reflect the deep biodiversity of this area that needs attention from respective authorities for proper conservation. Despite being such a biodiversity-enriched area, it is facing continuous anthropomorphic pressures resulting in biodiversity and habitat loss due to multiple developmental projects as well as the practice of agriculture by the local people. We believe, a community based conservation involving all parties will be beneficial for the biodiversity of this area.
Figure: Live specimen of the new species
Our research work was published in the journal Zootaxa.
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