Background & Context
Researchers from Aligarh Muslim University identified three new species of "musical" meadow katydids in Jammand Kashmir: Conocephalus usmanii, C. nagariensis, and C. ganderbali.
Significance
- Scientific Method: Scientists used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to count the microscopic "teeth" on the insect's wings, which they rub together to produce sound (stridulation).
- Biodiversity Indicator: The discovery of three distinct species in Ganderbal and Budgam suggests that the Pir Panjal Range and Western Himalayas have a much higher level of endemism (species found nowhere else) than previously thought.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
