Lyriothemis Keralensis

News: Recently researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new dragonfly species from Kerala’s low-lying coastal plains, named Lyriothemis keralensis  commonly called the Slender Bombardier.

About Lyriothemis keralensis

• It is a newly identified species of dragonfly discovered in Kerala.
• The species was first spotted in 2013 at Varappetty near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, Kerala.
• Habitat
  • This species inhabits vegetated pools, shaded irrigation canals, and seasonal water bodies within agricultural landscapes.
  • Unlike many dragonflies, L. keralensis is not a forest specialist and thrives in human-modified habitats such as pineapple and rubber plantations.
• Distribution: Known only from low-lying coastal plains of Kerala, particularly areas near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district.
• Characteristics
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females differ markedly in colouration and body shape.
  • Males: Deep blood-red abdomen with black markings and a slender body.
  • Females: Slightly broader with yellow and black colour patterns.
  • The species exhibits unique features including a distinctively shaped tail and genitalia, which help differentiate it from closely related species.
• Threats
  • Most populations exist outside protected areas and depend on fragile microhabitats within agricultural landscapes.
  • Threats include land-use changes, irrigation canal dredging, and potential pesticide runoff that can degrade the shaded wet habitats they rely on.
• Conservation Status
  • As a recently described species, Lyriothemis keralensis has not yet been evaluated for the IUCN Red List.