New dragonfly species discovered in Kerala, named Lyriothemis keralensis

Researchers have discovered a new species of dragonfly from Kerala and named it Lyriothemis keralensis, recognising the State’s exceptional biodiversity. The species was recorded from Varapetty near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, where it inhabits vegetated pools and irrigation canals within well shaded pineapple and rubber plantations.

The study was conducted by Dattaprasad Sawant of the Indian Foundation for Butterflies, Bengaluru, A. Vivek Chandran of the Department of Wildlife Science College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Renjith Jacob Mathews of the Society for Odonate Studies, Kerala and Krushnamegh Kunte of the National Centre for Biological Science, Bengaluru. The findings have been published in the International Journal of Odonatology.

According to Dr. Chandran the newly described dragonfly is seasonally visible only during the Southwest monsoon from later May to the end of August. During the remaining months of the year, the species is believed to persist in its aquatic larval stage, surviving in the network of canals and pools inside shaded plantatiaon landscapes.

He said Lyriothemis keralensis is a small dragonfly with distinct sexual dimorphism. The males are bright blood-red with black markings, making them visually striking, while the females are bulkier and yellow with black markings.

Although the species has been known to be found in Kerala since 2013, it had remained misidentified for over a decade as Lyriothemis acigastra, a species previously though to be restricted to northeast India. The researchers confirmed its distinct identity through detailed microscopic examinations and comparisons with museum specimens, which revealed clear difference, including a more slender abdomen and distinctly shaped anal appendages and genitalia.

Dr. Chandran and other researchers highlighted the conservation concerns, nothing that most population of the species occur outside the protected area network. They stressed the importance of careful land-use practices, especially in plantation-dominated landscapes, to ensure the survival of the species.