New Damselfly Species Discovered in Kerala's Western Ghats

Discovery and Naming

• A new species of damselfly, named Agasthyamalai Bambootail, was discovered in Manjadininnavila, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
• The species was found near the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, in an area under the Aryanad grama panchayat.
• Its name, "Bambootail," comes from its long cylindrical abdomen resembling a bamboo stalk.
• In Malayalam, it's called "Agasthyamala Mulavalan."
• The name "Agasthyamalai" reflects its discovery in the Agasthyamalai landscape of the Western Ghats.
• This rare species belongs to a group of damselflies known as bambootails.
• Only one other species exists in this genus: the Malabar Bambootail (Melanoneura bilineata), found in the Coorg-Wayanad landscape.

Unique Characteristics and Differences

• The Agasthyamalai Bambootail can be distinguished from other bambootails by the absence of the anal bridge vein in its wings.
• It has a long black body with brilliant blue markings.
• Key differences from the Malabar Bambootail include variations in the structure of the prothorax, anal appendages, and secondary genitalia.
• Molecular studies reveal a 7% difference in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-I gene between the two species.
• This genus of damselflies is known for its long black bodies adorned with striking blue markings.
• Damselflies are generally smaller and more delicate than dragonflies, with widely separated eyes.
• They are skilled fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings.

Habitat and Conservation Implications

• The Agasthyamalai Bambootail was first observed in small streams flowing through homeyards into the Karamana River.
• This habitat is outside the reserve forest, highlighting the importance of non-protected areas in biodiversity conservation.
• The species has also been recorded in the Ponmudi hills and Bonacaud within the same landscape.
• Damselflies are typically found near shallow, freshwater habitats.
• Their larvae, also known as nymphs or naiads, are predominantly aquatic predators in freshwater ecosystems.
• The discovery emphasizes the need to protect both protected and non-protected areas to preserve biodiversity.

The research team experts from various institutions:

• Vivek Chandran and Dr. Subin K Jose from Christ College, Irinjalakuda
• Reji Chandran from the Society for Odonate Studies
• Dr. Pankaj Koparde and Arajush Payra from MIT World Peace University, Pune