Evolution Lab - Publications

PUBLICATIONS

One of the images from my recently published research article has been published on the cover of the prestigious journal Animal Biology, which is the official journal of the Royal Dutch Zoological Society since its foundation in 1872.

Cover image of Animal Biology Volume 73, No. 1: “A female (left) and a male (centre) individual of an isolated melanic morpho-variant population of an ant mimicking jumping spider Myrmaplata plataleoides” See the article by Rahul Kumar et al., and more in this issue: https://brill.com/view/journals/ab/73/1/ab.73.issue-1.xml

Publications:

Book chapters

Pandey, M.K., Rahul Kumar, Rai, S., Abhishek, K., Sinha, R.K. (2026). Exploring Active Natural Compounds with Neuroprotective Effects Across Tree of Life. In: Puranik, N. (eds) Nourishing the Brain. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-4169-0_5
Mishra, Y., Rahul Kumar., Netam, R.K. (2025). Insights into Proteostasis System in Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disorders. In: Puranik, N. (eds) Proteostasis. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-6202-9_9
Dolly Krishnan , Medha Kumari, Rahul Kumar, Kishore Kumar Gupta and N Venkat Appa Rao (2025). The Ecological Consequences of Invasive Fish Species in India. In edited book: Aquatic Frontiers: Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Science World Publication. pp. 169–184. ISBN 978-81-978386-1-3. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17288047
Rahul Kumar, Yashaswee Mishra, Cecilia Khusboo Barla, Birendra Kumar Gupta and Ajay Kumar Sharma (2024). Nanocarrier in Cancer Therapy: An Overview. In edited book: Nano-formulation of Dietary Phytochemicals for Cancer Management. Springer, Singapore, 275-295. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8005-1_10
Rahul Kumar, Pankaj Keshari, Abhinav Kant, Ajay Kumar, Rohit Gupta and Subhash Chandra Yadav (2024). Insights into noninvasive approaches for the early detection of cancer with a special focus on nanodiagnostics. In edited book: Nano Biosensors for Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Cancer. IOP Publishing, Bristol, UK, 04.1-04.42. https://doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-6234-4ch4
Rahul Kumar, Pankaj Keshari, Yashaswee Mishra and Ajay Kumar Sharma (2023). Modern approaches to study the effects of phytochemicals on cellular epigenome. In edited book: Phytochemicals as an Epigenetic Modifier in Cancer Prevention. IOP Publishing, Bristol, UK, 12.1-12.24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/978-0-7503-5252-9ch12

Datasets

Kumar, R., Sharma A. K., & Gupta, B. K. (2024). Diversity of terrestrial arthropods exhibiting mimicry from Hazaribagh Plateau region. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/kuk8p7 accessed via www.GBIF.org on 2024-08-03.
Kumar, R. (2025). Supplementary Videos. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15269954
Kumar, R. (2024). Supplementary data (data tables and representative questions). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10869185

Preprints

Rahul Kumar and Ajay Kumar Sharma (2022). Conferring Midas touch on Integrative Taxonomy: A Nanogold-Oligonucletide Conjugate-based Quick Species Detection Tool. BEILSTEIN ARCHIVES. https://doi.org/10.3762/bxiv.2022.15.v1
Rahul Kumar et al. (2025). The Great Imitation Game of Arthropods: Diversity of Terrestrial Arthropods Exhibiting Mimicry From Hazaribag Plateau Region. RESEARCH SQUARE. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8008727/v1
Rahul Kumar et al. (2024). Revisiting taxonomic problems in the genus Myrmaplata Prószyński, 2016 (Araneae: Salticidae). SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4334501

Research Articles

Rahul Kumar, Birendra Kumar Singh (2025.) Rocking Female Chooses Clingy Male: On Mating Behaviour of Myllocerus Undecimpustulatus Undatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Hexapoda, Insecta Indica 32(2): 1-08; doi: https://doi.org/10.55446/hexa.2025.645. ISSN: 0973-8592.
Kumar, R. & Behera, S. (2025). STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF IN SILICO TECHNIQUES IN BIOLOGY TEACHING AMONG RURAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 91 (16),97487-97496. ISSN: 0976-0997.
Kumar, R., Gupta, B. K., & Sharma, A. K. (2022). On the behavioural biology of a morpho-variant of Myrmaplata plataleoides (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1869) (Araneae: Salticidae) with taxonomic notes, Animal Biology, 73(1), 1-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/15707563-bja10094. ISSN: 1570-7563.

4. Kumar R., Gupta B. K., Sharma A. K. (2024). Revisiting taxonomic problems in the genus Myrmaplata Prószyński, 2016 (Araneae: Salticidae). International Journal of Entomology Research, 9(1), 7-14, https://www.entomologyjournals.com/archives/2024/vol9/issue1/8179 or https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10981227. ISSN: 2455-4758.

5. Kumar, R., Sharma, A.K. (2022). Conferring Midas touch on Integrative Taxonomy: A Nanogold-Oligonucletide Conjugate-based Quick Species Detection Tool. International Journal of Ecology, 2022 (Article ID 1009066), 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1009066. ISSN: 1687-9716.

6. Barwal, I., Kumar, R., Dada, T., & Yadav, S. (2019). Effect of Ultra-Small Chitosan Nanoparticles Doped with Brimonidine on the Ultra-Structure of the Trabecular Meshwork of Glaucoma Patients. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 25(6), 1352-1366. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927619000448. ISSN: 1431-9276.

Effect of various treatments of excise trabeculectomy tissue of glaucoma patients. Trabeculectomy samples (a) treated with naïve chitosan nanoparticles, (b) treated with 2.0 mg/mL free brimonidine, and (c) treated with nanobrimonidine of 10 mg/mL equivalent to 0.2 mg/mL of brimonidine for 24 h in DMEM. The images were taken on (i) the scanning electron microscope after fixation, dehydration, critical point drying, and sputter coating as well as (ii) the transmission electron microscope after fixation, dehydration, embedding, and ultra-sectioned (70 nm) of 24 h treated trabeculectomy sample.

7. Kumar, R., Sharma, A.K. (2021). Transcription Factor Stoichiometry in Cell Fate Determination. Journal of Genetics, 100(27). 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12041-021-01278-2. ISSN: 0022-1333.

8. Kumar, R., Sharma, M. & Sharma, A.K. (2021). New record of Myrmarachne melanocephala MacLeay, 1839 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Jharkhand, India and biogeographical implications of the co-occurrence of its ant model Tetraponera rufonigra Jerdon, 1851. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 13(12), 19753-19761. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7500.13.12.19753-19761. ISSN: 0974-7907.

Myrmarachne melanocephala MacLeay, 1839 (female)

9. Barla, C.K., Sharma, A.K., Maurya, S. and Kumar, R. (2024). MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FIRST RECORD OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI BEAUVERIA BASSIANA AND METARHIZIUM RILEYI ISOLATES FROM JHARKHAND, INDIA. Indian Journal of Applied Research, 14(1), 1-3. ISSN: 2249-55X. http://dx.doi.org/10.36106/ijar/9111792

10. R. Kumar, T. S. Rao, M. A. A. Walid, S. Kaliappan, R. Maranan and M. Saratha, "Integrating Diverse Omics Data Using Graph Convolutional Networks: Advancing Comprehensive Analysis and Classification in Colorectal Cancer," 2023 4th International Conference on Smart Electronics and Communication (ICOSEC), Trichy, India, 2023, pp. 1329-1335, Electronic ISBN:979-8-3503-0088-8.

https://doi.org/10.1109/ICOSEC58147.2023.10276296

11. Kumar, R., Sharma, A.K. (2020). A Review of Atmospheric Changes amidst COVID19 Pandemic in the light of IPCC Special Report 2018 and COP24 Conference. UPJOZ, 41(14), 1-8. ISSN: 0256-971X. https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/1672

12. Kumar, R., Gupta, K.K. & Sharma, A.K. (2022). REDISCOVERY OF Campanacella hamiltonella (WESTWOOD, 1867)(NEUROPTERA: MANTISPIDAE) FROM INDIA AFTER 155 YEARS. UPJOZ, 43 (5), 78-85. ISSN: 0256-971X. https://doi.org/10.56557/upjoz/2022/v43i52969

13. Kumar, R., Shashank, P.R., Meshram, N.M., Anooj, S.S., & Sreedevi, K. (2020). Evolution of Modern Insect Classification: A Comprehensive Account. J. Appl. Zool. Res., 31(1), 1-20. ISSN: 0970-9304. http://www.azra-india.com/uploads/1/4/9/6/14964328/jazr-2020-vol-31-1.pdf or https://zenodo.org/records/12726454

14. Kumar, R., Gupta, K.K. & Sharma, A.K. (2021). CULTIVATION OF PLEUROTUS FLORIDA BY STANDARD PROTOCOL AND STUDY OF THE TEMPORAL CHANGES IN TOTAL PROTEIN CONTENTS OF THIS OYSTER MUSHROOM RELATIVE TO GROWTH OF ITS FRUITING BODY. IJRBAT, Special-17, 122-140. ISSN: 2347 – 517X.

https://ijrbat.in/upload_papers/1608202105132024.%20rahul%20kumar,%20kishore%20kumar%20gupta%20and%20ajay%20kumar%20sharma.pdf

Books

Kumar, R. Pleurotus Florida (The Delicious Oyster Mushroom). Notion Press, Chennai. Edition: 2020. ISBN: 978-1-63606-557-1
A poetry book, “An Unsung Anthology”, Notion Press, Chennai. Edition: 2020. ISBN: 9781648997853

Popular Articles

Kumar, R. Fungus farms of termites: weed control. STEAMindiaReports. December 10, 2025. https://steamindiareportscom.in/2025/12/10/fungus-farms-of-termites-weed-control/
Kumar, R. Evolution of mimicry in swallowtail butterflies. STEAMindiaReports. November 12, 2025. https://steamindiareportscom.in/2025/11/12/evolution-of-mimicry-in-swallowtail-butterflies/
Kumar, R. Species survival in abruptly changing environment: Founder traits in evolutionary rescue. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 22nd October, 2025. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/species-survival-in-abruptly-changing-environment-founder-traits-in-evolutionary-rescue
Kumar, R. New research sheds fresh light on the evolutionary genetics of sex-limited polymorphic mimicry in swallowtail butterflies. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi,18th September, 2025. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/new-research-sheds-fresh-light-on-the-evolutionary-genetics-of-sex-limited-polymorphic-mimicry-in-sw
Kumar, R. Masters of Deception: Part 1: My Journey into the World of Ant-Mimicking Spiders. Biotales. https://www.biotalesindia.com/blog/a-feeling-for-the-organism/masters-of-deception-part-1
Kumar, R. Masters of Deception: Part 1: My Journey into the World of Ant-Mimicking Spiders. Biotales. https://www.biotalesindia.com/blog/a-feeling-for-the-organism/masters-of-deception-part-2

My research journey on mimicry: A story series (part 1 and part 2) narrating my research journey into studying ant-mimicking spiders and the intriguing class of black ant-mimicking spiders has been published by "Biotales". The first article is a story of my chance encounter with a bicoloured ant-mimicking spider species in Nagaland that served as the catalyst for my academic pursuit into the biology of mimicry and the second piece raises fundamental questions on what one means by a "species" in current biological thought.

Part 1: https://www.biotalesindia.com/blog/a-feeling-for-the-organism/masters-of-deception-part-1

Part 2: https://www.biotalesindia.com/blog/a-feeling-for-the-organism/masters-of-deception-part-2

Enjoy reading!

7. Kumar, R. CRISPR-Cas9 based precision‐guided sterile insect technique for control of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi,1st June, 2024. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/crispr-cas9-based-precision-guided-sterile-insect-technique-for-control-of-invasive-fall-armyworm-s

8. Kumar, R. In conversation with “beste-der-besten” of Ethology and Evolution: Professor Raghavendra Gadagkar. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi,7th March, 2024. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/in-conversation-with-beste-der-besten-of-ethology-and-evolution-professor-raghavendra-gadagkar

9. Kumar, R. On fourth Anniversary of Indian Entomologist: Four years of Perseverance and Progress. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 29th January, 2024. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/on-fourth-anniversary-of-indian-entomologist-four-years-of-perseverance-and-progress

10. Kumar, R. Entomophagy: Ethnotherapeutic practices of Manipur. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 10th October, 2022. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/entomophagy-ethnotherapeutic-practices-of-manipur

11. Sagar D and Kumar R. ESI announces Senior Entomologist, Young Entomologist and Best Ph.D. Thesis Awards for the year 2021. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 05th July, 2022. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/esi-announces-senior-entomologist-young-entomologist-and-best-ph-d-thesis-awards-for-the-year-2021

12. Kumar, R. A new study highlights the importance of nocturnal pollinators in Himalayan ecosystem. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 12th May, 2022. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/a-new-study-highlights-the-importance-of-nocturnal-pollinators-in-himalayan-ecosystem

13. Kumar, R. Discovery of fossil evidence of leaf-feeding caterpillars and feeding pattern on fossilized leaf. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 19th Feb, 2022. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/discovery-of-fossil-evidence-of-leaf-feeding-caterpillars-and-feeding-pattern-on-fossilized-leaf

14. Kumar, R. Face to face with a "Limca book of Records" holder Mr. Mirtunjay Sharma - An insect hobbyist. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 3rd Jan, 2022. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/face-to-face-with-a-limca-book-of-records-holder-mr-mirtunjay-sharma-an-insect-hobbyist

15. Kumar, R. New study reports reduction in lifespan of insects after genetic repression of antioxidant enzymes. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 3rd Nov, 2021. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/new-study-reports-reduction-in-lifespan-of-insects-after-genetic-repression-of-antioxidant-enzymes

16. Kumar, R. ENVIRONMENT AND INSECT IMMUNITY-NEW FINDING SUGGESTS ADAPTATIONS TO LARVAL CROWDING LEADS TO EVOLUTION OF IMPROVED SURVIVORSHIP AFTER INFECTION. Indian Entomologist, The Entomological Society of India. New Delhi, 7th Oct, 2021. ISSN NO. 2582-5828. https://www.indianentomologist.org/post/new-study-reports-reduction-in-lifespan-of-insects-after-genetic-repression-of-antioxidant-enzymes

Contributions to school textbooks:

Contributed to the book entitled “Handbook on Understanding Science through Activities, Games, Toys and Art forms at Secondary Stage” published by NCERT, New Delhi. Edition: 2020. ISBN: 978-93-5292-208-6

Other literary contributions:

Contributed various e-Resources under the Project entitled “Development of e-Resources in Science at Upper Primary Stage (PAC Code No. 6.12)” at NCERT, New Delhi, one of which, a Poem entitled “My Dream School”, has been selected for promoting Activity Based Learning under National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
Prepared various e-Contents for session 2020-2021 for teaching undergraduate students of Zoology which are available on website of Magadh University, Bodh Gaya
Contributed a poem “Untouched” to the poetry collection, “The Great Indian Anthology: Volume 1” published by Half Baked Beans, New Delhi. Edition: 2020. ISBN/ASIN: B08C9GKSN5
Contributed a poem “Moon Child” to the poetry collection, “The Great Indian Anthology: Volume 3” published by Half Baked Beans, New Delhi. Edition: 2021. ISBN/ASIN: B09J1F3QLM

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