New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala: Lyriothemis keralensis

A new dragonfly species, Lyriothemis keralensis, has been identified in Kerala, highlighting hidden biodiversity within plantation landscapes of the Western Ghats.

Known to be found in Kerala since 2013 but it remained misidentified for over a decade as Lyriothemis acigastra, a species previously thought to be restricted to northeast India.

About Lyriothemis keralensis

• It is a newly discovered dragonfly species named in recognition of Kerala’s rich biodiversity.
  • It was earlier misidentified for over a decade as Lyriothemis acigastra.
• Distribution: Recorded from Varapetty near Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district, Kerala.
• Habitat: Inhabits vegetated pools and irrigation canals within shaded rubber and pineapple plantations.
  • They are seasonally visible during the Southwest monsoon (May–August) and persists as larvae the rest of the year.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Shows sexual dimorphism.
    • Males: bright blood-red with black markings.
    • Females: yellow with black markings, bulkier body.
  • Distinguished by slender abdomen and unique anal appendages/genitalia.
• Conservation Concerns
  • The majority of populations lie outside protected areas.
  • Vulnerable to land-use change in plantation-dominated landscapes.
  • Emphasises need for biodiversity-sensitive agricultural practices.

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About Dragonflies

• Dragonflies are predatory insects of the order Odonata and suborder Anisoptera, characterized by large compound eyes, four transparent wings, three pairs of legs and a slender body.
  • There are roughly 3,000 species, typically found near freshwater habitats.
• Life Cycle: they have three stages: egg → larva (nymph) → adult.
  • Larvae breathe through internal gills and the adults through spiracles
• Habitat: Adults live around streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands.
  • Larvae are aquatic, living among plants and rocks.
• Diet: They are specialized aerial predators, eating mosquitoes, flies, and other insects with a 95% hunting success rate.
  • Larvae feed on aquatic insects, worms, and small aquatic organisms.
• Indicator Species: Sensitive to water quality, making them indicator species of freshwater health.
• Ecological Role: Help control insect populations and support aquatic–terrestrial food webs.

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