Western Ghats New Species of Damselfly Discovered

Two daffnew species of damselflies have been identified in the Western Ghats. In earlier times these species were mistaken with some older and familiar one. Their discovery underlines the exemplary biodiversity of the region and the necessity of preserving the natural environments.

New Findings

The Konkan and Red Shadowdamsels were discovered by researchers in Kerala and Maharashtra. The Konkan Shadowdamsel is located in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. Crimson shadowdamsel was and is located in the Keralan district of Thiruvananthapuram. They are both in the so called Shadowdamsel group, which is characterised by a preference to the forested environment with a touch of shadow.

Differentiation of Species

These two species were formerly mistaken for the Red-spot Shadowdamsel, which was first reported in the Nilgiri Hills more than a century ago. Clear distinctions were found by in-depth research using high-resolution microscopy and COI gene molecular analysis. The body of the Crimson Shadowdamsel is reddish. Coffee-brown is the color shown by the Konkan Shadowdamsel. Jet black is the color of the Red-spot Shadowdamsel.

Distribution and Habitat

There are sixteen species of Protosticta damselflies in the Western Ghats. The majority have limited, tiny ranges in this hotspot for biodiversity. Microhabitats, which are tiny forest areas with plenty of shade and clear streams, are where the new species were discovered. Because these places are not protected, the species is at risk.

Issues with Conservation

Only pure environments with plenty of canopy protection and clear streams are suitable for shadowdamsels. The loss of their habitat as a result of tree cutting and plantation development poses a danger to their existence. It is yet unknown how dangerous these new species are. Their existence indicates the existence of clean water sources and robust forest ecosystems.

The Significance of the Environment

Bioindicators are damselflies including Shadowdamsels. Theirpresence is indicative of the quality of the water and the health of the forest ecosystem. Detailed investigations in the Western Ghats would be likely to reveal additional undescribed species as a number of Protosticta are microendemics. This serves to illustrate the rich but fragile biota of the region.

Investigation and Cooperation

The discovery was made by a collective of Indian Foundation for Butterflies, Society for Odonate Studies, and National Centre for Biological Sciences. It was their collective expertise in molecular biology, ecology, and taxonomy that was crucial for this endeavor.

Discovery of Konkan & Red Shadowdamsels in Kerala and Maharashtra

• Two new species of Protosticta damselflies, Konkan and Red Shadowdamsels, were found by researchers.
• Previously mistaken for Red-spot Shadowdamsel , found in unprotected microhabitats.
• Habitats threatened by tree cutting and plantation development.
• Presence indicates clean water sources and robust forest ecosystems.
• Discovery led by Indian Foundation for Butterflies, Society for Odonate Studies, and National Centre for Biological Sciences.