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New Dragonfly Species Adds to Western Ghats Biodiversity

CURRENT AFFAIRS: Lyriothemis abrahami, Western Ghats, dragonfly species, Travancore Nature History Society, biodiversity discovery, Entomon journal, odonatologist Abraham Samuel, forest ecosystems, endemic species, conservation

New Dragonfly Species Adds to Western Ghats Biodiversity

Newly identified species from Indian rainforests

New Dragonfly Species Adds to Western Ghats Biodiversity: A new dragonfly species named Lyriothemis abrahami has been officially documented from the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. The species had previously been confused with Lyriothemis flava due to close morphological similarities.

Research efforts behind the discovery

The Travancore Nature History Society led the field research with partner institutions. Researchers used larval rearing experiments, detailed dissections, and adult morphology analysis. The results were published in June 2025 in the entomology journal Entomon.

Static GK fact: The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high level of endemic flora and fauna.

A tribute in taxonomy

The newly discovered species was named Lyriothemis abrahami in honour of Abraham Samuel, a renowned odonatologist from Kerala. This nomenclature recognises his contributions to the field of insect studies in India.

Unique breeding behavior

Lyriothemis abrahami breeds in phytotelmata—small water collections inside tree holes. These breeding sites are critical microhabitats within the forest.

Static GK fact: Phytotelmata are crucial for many insect species and contribute to micro-ecosystem biodiversity in rainforests.

Endemic but restricted

This species is endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in its southern and central stretches. It inhabits lowland rainforests, evergreen forests, and deciduous woodlands at elevations between 50 and 1100 metres.

Despite a broad ecological range, the species is rare and restricted to select local zones.

Revisiting old collections

The research team reviewed earlier collections dating back to 2013. Specimens previously labelled as Lyriothemis flava were reclassified after microscopic analysis, showing that this species had been misidentified for over a decade.

Biodiversity boost for Kerala

With this finding, Kerala’s odonate count now stands at 191 species, with 78 of them endemic. This discovery boosts India’s position as a biodiversity-rich nation needing deeper ecological assessments.

Static GK Tip: India is home to over 500 species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), many of which are found only in forested zones like the Western Ghats and Northeast India.

Conservation importance

The species highlights the value of forest microhabitats such as tree holes. The degradation of canopy and mature trees directly threatens breeding niches like phytotelmata. Researchers urge stronger protection for such microhabitats to sustain species diversity.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

New Dragonfly Species Adds to Western Ghats Biodiversity:

Topic Detail
Species Name Lyriothemis abrahami
Discovered In Western Ghats
Published In Entomon journal, June 2025
Lead Institution Travancore Nature History Society
Named After Abraham Samuel, odonatologist
Key Feature Sexual dimorphism with unique hamules
Habitat Forests between 50–1100 metres elevation
Breeding Site Phytotelmata (tree hole water pools)
Kerala Odonate Count 191 species (78 endemic)
Biodiversity Region UNESCO-listed Western Ghats

 

New Dragonfly Species Adds to Western Ghats Biodiversity
  1. A new dragonfly species Lyriothemis abrahami was discovered in the Western Ghats.
  2. The species was earlier misidentified as Lyriothemis flava due to similarity.
  3. The discovery was led by the Travancore Nature History Society.
  4. Findings were published in the Entomon journal in June 2025.
  5. The species is named after Abraham Samuel, a Kerala-based odonatologist.
  6. It shows unique breeding behavior in phytotelmata—tree hole water pools.
  7. Phytotelmata are vital forest microhabitats for many insect species.
  8. The dragonfly is endemic to the Western Ghats, especially in Kerala.
  9. It inhabits lowland rainforests and deciduous forests between 50–1100 m elevation.
  10. Despite a wide habitat range, it is rare and locally restricted.
  11. The discovery was aided by larval rearing and adult morphological studies.
  12. Some past specimens dating back to 2013 were reclassified as Lyriothemis abrahami.
  13. Kerala now records 191 odonate species, with 78 endemic.
  14. India hosts over 500 odonate species, many found in forests like the Western Ghats.
  15. The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity.
  16. The species’ sexual dimorphism and hamules help differentiate it from others.
  17. The discovery highlights the importance of long-term ecological monitoring.
  18. Canopy loss and tree degradation threaten breeding habitats like tree holes.
  19. Researchers recommend stronger conservation of forest microhabitats.
  20. The finding enhances India’s global biodiversity profile and scientific documentation.

Q1. What is the scientific name of the newly discovered dragonfly species in the Western Ghats?

Q2. Where does Lyriothemis abrahami primarily breed?

Q3. Which institution led the discovery and classification of Lyriothemis abrahami?

Q4. What type of forest habitat is Lyriothemis abrahami mainly found in?

Q5. Why was the species Lyriothemis abrahami initially misidentified?

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