New water-penny beetle species discovered in India’s Western Ghats

Jaechanax kuranganiensis larva. Credit authors - https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2025.3421

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown species of the unique aquatic insect known as the water-penny beetle, marking the first-ever record of its genus in Tamil Nadu. The discovery, made in the fast-flowing Kurangani stream of the Bodi hills, introduces Jaechanax kuranganiensis to the world.

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Madurai/ Nov 11, 2025

Vimal Simha

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Vimal Simha is an astrophysicist by training, having obtained his Ph.D. from the Ohio State University, USA for his research work on cosmology and large scale structure. As a science writer, he has written about all areas of science, with a particular focus on physical sciences and mathematics. Apart from science, he is interested to write on areas of urban planning and civic issues. He is an avid reader.

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Jaechanax kuranganiensis larva. Credit authors - https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2025.3421

Vimal Simha

@vimalsimha

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