Rare Insect Discovery in Africa Sparks Buzz in Delhi

New Delhi — If you’ve ever sat on a bench at Dilli Haat or sipped chai near Rajiv Chowk Metro station and watched a dragonfly hover suspiciously close, here’s some news that’ll make you look twice next time. A new species of insect was recently discovered in South Africa’s Richtersveld National Park — and while that seems far from home, the implications might come crawling right back to our lanes in Delhi.

Why this new insect discovery may matter in Delhi too

Researchers in the Richtersveld National Park, located in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, have just identified a new species of insect believed to be native only to that region. This find is not just a moment of triumph for biodiversity nerds — it holds deeper clues about climate change, urban pollution, and the global insect population collapse that’s been quietly building for the past decade.

Although the discovery was nearly 10,000km away, Delhi’s entomologists are paying close attention. Why? Because changes in regional insect populations can mirror patterns elsewhere. A few scientists at Delhi University’s North Campus say similar data collection missions should be conducted around forest patches like Sanjay Van or even tucked-away green areas like Nehru Park. Our native bug life here — including lesser-known Delhi scorpions and nocturnal beetles in the Ridge — could be threatened by everything from pesticides to rapid concrete sprawl.

“Insects aren’t just background noise,” says Dr. Parul Sharma*, a PhD researcher working near Kamla Nehru Ridge. “They’re indicators. If they disappear, it’s a red flag for the entire ecosystem.”

How this affects Dilliwalas — and why you should see this as more than science trivia

It’s tempting to scroll past “new insect discovered” headlines thinking it doesn’t concern us. But Delhi’s own bug population is on shaky ground. Local students from DU and JNU involved in urban ecology studies report fewer fireflies in Mehrauli and weaker dragonfly sightings during monsoons near Hauz Khas Lake.

Why does it matter? Fewer bugs mean less natural pest control — which means more cockroach-infested kitchens across GK, more mosquitoes buzzing in Lajpat Nagar flats, and possibly more pesticides leaking into the air and water. Shopkeepers in Sadar Bazar say they have noticed a rise in chemical spraying in recent years, even in winter months. One vendor near Kashmere Gate loosely wrapped a mask around his face while unloading sacks last week, muttering “Yeh dawai har jagah chhidak rahe hain ab” (“They’re spraying these chemicals everywhere now”).

For parents whose weekends include trips to parks like Lodhi Garden or Talkatora, shrinking insect diversity could mean fewer colourful beetles and butterflies for kids to spot — a quiet but impactful loss to everyday city life. And for South Delhi terrace gardeners growing dhania and pudina, a disappearing bug population could cut short your afternoon pollinator visits, meaning you’re left fighting aphids and mealybugs solo.

Where this fits in our city’s green legacy

Delhi used to be swarming with insect life till the 80s. Residents in old neighbourhoods like Civil Lines tell stories of moth clouds under streetlights and grasshoppers crashing into windows during pre-Diwali seasons. But with expanded roadways, pesticide spraying for dengue control, and the relentless chroming of Gurgaon and Dwarka, our insect-rich microclimates are vanishing.

This find in Richtersveld is a reminder of what’s not being discovered in Delhi because no one’s looking. Back in the early 2000s, a group of entomologists did briefly study beetles in the Delhi Ridge, identifying over two dozen undocumented species. But the research fizzled after funding ended. Meanwhile, cities like Bengaluru and Pune are investing in urban biodiversity indexes. Delhi? Not so much.

What you can do as a Dilliwala who doesn’t want a sterile city

Visit Nehru Park or Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary early mornings for bugwatching — carry a phone cam and upload to iNaturalist to contribute to tracking local biodiversity.
On your next Lajpat Nagar or INA shopping trip, ask your plant nursery bhaiya about natural pest repellents like neem oil — avoids killing harmless bugs and helps native insects survive.
During peak mosquito spray months, keep at least one window garden or open pot with flowering herbs. Marigold, basil, and lemongrass attract beneficial insects and hold natural balance.

📍 Spot Check: Many insects are still spotted near Green Park Metro (towards Deer Park entrance), Sanjay Van near Qutub Minar, and odd corners of Yamuna Biodiversity Park near Wazirabad.

The Final Word

You may never travel to South Africa. But the bugs there — and the ones here in Delhi — are all canaries in one very global coal mine. When scientists uncover a new insect species, it’s not just trivia for textbooks, it’s an alert for our local backyards too. Don’t wait for a fancy report to tell you Delhi’s biodiversity is shrinking—step outside during early evening and just listen. Is it quieter than it used to be? Maybe that’s your first clue.