Sikkim Biodiversity: Where nature smiles: Shital Pradhan

Showing posts with label Shital Pradhan. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 July 2024

Xystrocera dispar (mango stem borer) - Sikkim Beetle

Xystrocera dispar, also known as the mango stem borer or "aamko botkira" in Nepali, is an insect that affects mango trees. The adult beetle is about 20-30 mm long with a shiny, metallic body. The larvae bore into the stems and branches of mango trees, causing significant damage.

This boring disrupts the flow of nutrients and water, leading to weakened or dead branches. Infested trees often show signs like wilting leaves and dieback. Managing this pest involves regular monitoring and removing infected parts of the tree to prevent the spread of the larvae.

Saturday, 22 June 2024

Oligodon albocinctus (ight Barred Kukri Snake) - Sikkim Snake

Oligodon albocinctus, the light-barred kukri snake, is a colubrid snake endemic to Asia. First described by Theodore Cantor in 1839, it is recognized for its white crossbands on a darker body, providing effective camouflage. This nocturnal and secretive snake inhabits forested and hilly regions across South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

It feeds on eggs, small rodents, and other small vertebrates, using its kukri knife-shaped teeth for cutting open eggs. The species is oviparous, laying eggs from which the young hatch.

Saturday, 26 August 2023

daddy longlegs - Sikkim Insect

Daddy longlegs, which belong to the Opiliones Order are creatures known for their appearance. Despite their name they are not spiders. These fascinating creatures have a body structure that sets them apart, from arachnids – a fused body segment.

Daddy longlegs have a body and four pairs of slender legs. Unlike spiders they don't have venom glands or silk producing structures. Their diet consists mainly of decaying matter, insects and plant materials as they play an important role in ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling. Importantly daddy longlegs pose no threat, to humans as they lack venom or fangs.