New Dragonfly Species Lyriothemis keralensis Discovered in Kerala

Kerala has once again surprised scientists with a remarkable biodiversity discovery. Researchers have formally described a new dragonfly species, named Lyriothemis keralensis, from the Western Ghats region of the State. The discovery not only highlights Kerala’s rich but underexplored biodiversity, but also draws attention to conservation concerns in human-modified landscapes like plantations. The species is now officially recorded in scientific literature, adding another unique member to India’s growing list of endemic insects.

What Is Lyriothemis keralensis?

• Lyriothemis keralensis is a newly identified species of dragonfly belonging to the order Odonata.
• The name reflects its origin  the State of Kerala.
• It is considered endemic, meaning it is found only in this specific geographical region.
• This discovery adds to India’s growing list of insect diversity and strengthens Kerala’s reputation as a biologically rich region.
• Dragonflies are important ecological indicators because they reflect the health of freshwater ecosystems.

Habitat and Distribution

• The species was recorded from Varapetty near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district.
• Interestingly, it thrives in vegetated pools and irrigation canals, particularly within shaded rubber and pineapple plantations.
• Unlike many species found deep inside protected forests, Lyriothemis keralensis survives in human-modified landscapes.
• Adults are visible only during the Southwest monsoon (May–August), while for the rest of the year, the species exists as aquatic larvae in freshwater habitats.
• This seasonal visibility makes the species easy to overlook, which explains why it remained undiscovered for long.

Key Physical Characteristics

The species shows clear sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look distinctly different.

Males

• Bright blood-red body with black markings
• Slender abdomen

Females

• Yellow body with black markings
• Bulkier appearance

It can be distinguished from closely related species such as Lyriothemis acigastra through microscopic features, including,

• Slender abdominal structure
• Unique shape of anal appendages
• Distinct genitalia patterns

These detailed anatomical differences confirmed it as a separate species.

Why Is This Discovery Important?

The discovery of Lyriothemis keralensis is significant for multiple reasons,

• Enhances Odonate Diversity Data: It adds to the known dragonfly diversity in the Western Ghats, which is recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
• Highlights Plantation Biodiversity: The presence of a unique species in plantations suggests that modified agricultural landscapes can still support rare wildlife.
• Conservation Concerns: Since most of its populations lie outside protected forest areas, habitat alteration or pesticide use could threaten its survival.

The discovery reinforces the importance of documenting lesser-known insect species for long-term ecological conservation.

About the Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.
• It supports a high level of endemic flora and fauna, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and insects.
• Discoveries like Lyriothemis keralensis show that even well-studied regions may still hold hidden biodiversity.

Question

Q. Lyriothemis keralensis belongs to which order?

A. Lepidoptera
B. Coleoptera
C. Odonata
D. Diptera