India is home to 191 recorded species of cockroaches, with more than 60 percent of them found exclusively within the country, according to a new study conducted by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
Published in the taxonomy journal Zootaxa, the study also unveiled India’s first and largest DNA barcode reference library for cockroaches, marking a significant advancement in insect taxonomy and biodiversity research.
191 Species Documented, Including Endemic Lineages
The latest findings expand India’s documented cockroach diversity to 191 species, adding several previously undocumented and endemic lineages.
Researchers generated more than 100 high-quality DNA barcodes to support accurate species identification and classification, helping scientists better understand the country’s insect biodiversity.
DNA Barcoding Helps Identify Species
DNA barcoding involves using a short genetic sequence—typically from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene—to identify species.
Scientists say the technique is particularly useful in taxonomy for distinguishing closely related species and resolving classification challenges among organisms that display similar external characteristics.
Collaborative Scientific Effort
The research was carried out by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India’s Western Regional Centre in Pune, Southern Regional Centre in Chennai, and Prof. Ramkrishna More College.
The study forms part of a broader initiative aimed at building a comprehensive genetic reference library for India’s insect diversity.
Ancient Origins and Ecological Importance
Researchers noted that some of India’s endemic cockroach lineages may trace their origins to Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent that once connected present-day India with Africa, South America, Antarctica, Australia, and Madagascar.
Far from being merely household pests, cockroaches play vital ecological roles as decomposers, nutrient recyclers, and bioindicators that help maintain ecosystem balance.
Recent Discovery in the Deccan Region
Earlier this year, in March 2026, ZSI scientists identified a new species—Neoloboptera peninsularis—from the Deccan Peninsula near Nathachiwadi in Pune.
That discovery had raised the country’s documented cockroach count to 190, before the latest update increased the total to 191 species.
Under modern classification systems, cockroaches belong to the order Blattodea, which also includes termites. Scientists believe the new DNA reference library will strengthen biodiversity conservation and improve future research into India’s rich insect fauna.