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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.
Dragonfly
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