Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 27 September 2026

ZSI Scientists Discover New Parasitic Wasp Species in Assam's Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Exam-focused facts from the 27 September 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India discovered a new parasitic wasp species, Oxyserphus narendrani, in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam, marking the first official identification of this genus in the Oriental region.
  • The wasp was captured in November 2024 using a yellow pan trap and identified as a member of the Proctotrupidae family; it measures 3.3 mm with a black head, brownish-black body, and yellow legs.
  • Oxyserphus narendrani is distinguished from the Australian species O. sulcatus by a single horizontal groove on the side of its thorax, a shorter ovipositor sheath, and a uniquely shaped wing spot.
  • The species is named after the late Dr T. C. Narendran in honour of his contributions to parasitic wasp taxonomy in India; before this find, only eight species of this wasp family were known in India.

View this story in the full daily briefing

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