Melanochlamys droupadi: Sea slug named after President Murmu

Source-This post on Melanochlamys droupadi: Sea slug named after President Murmu is based on the article “ZSI names a newly discovered head-shield sea slug after President Droupadi Murmu” published in “The Hindu” on 1st March 2024.

Why in the News?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has announced the discovery of a new marine species of head-shield sea slug. It has been named as Melanochlamys droupadi after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

About Melanochlamys droupadi

1. Place of Discovery– It was discovered from Digha of West Bengal coast and Udaipur of Odisha coast.

2. Distinct Feature– It is characterized by a short, blunt and cylindrical body and a smooth dorsal surface with two dorsal equal or unequal shield.

3. Physical attributes:
a. It’s a tiny brownish-black invertebrate, measuring up to 7 mm long, with a ruby red spot at its rear.
b. It has a shell inside its body, and is a hermaphrodite (organisms possesses both male and female reproductive organs).

4. Reproduction– They reproduce between November and January.

5. Habitat– These species are typically found along the intertidal zone, leaving crawl marks on sandy beaches.

6. Distribution– Species of the genus Melanochlamys are primarily found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, but three species are truly tropical: Melanochlamys papillata from the Gulf of Thailand, Melanochlamys bengalensis from West Bengal and Odisha coasts, and the current species (Melanochlamys droupadi).

What is Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)?

1. About:
a. It is a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.
b. It is a national center for surveying and exploring fauna to advance knowledge about the country’s diverse wildlife.

2. Established– It was established in 1916 as a national centre for faunistic survey and exploration of the resources.

3. Headquarters– Kolkata.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)