Moth Discoveries: Indicators of a Warming Peak
Background: In the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and the Himalayas, researchers identified three new moth species: Gelechia bilobuncusa, Gelechia adi, and Istrianis ladakhensis.
Basics:
- Moths vs. Butterflies: Moths are mostly nocturnal and have feathery antennae.
- Pollination: While bees get the credit, moths are crucial night-polliners for many Himalayan flora.
- DNA Barcoding: These species were identified using modern genetic sequencing, as they look identical to known species to the naked eye.
Significance for UPSC:
- Climate Change: Moths are highly sensitive to temperature. Their discovery at higher altitudes suggests they are migrating upward as the lower slopes warm.
- Himalayan Ecosystem: Important for questions on the "Third Pole" and biodiversity conservation.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
