Kerala Agricultural University – Researchers have discovered a new species of dragonfly in Kerala and named it Liriothemis keralensis, recognizing the extraordinary biodiversity of the state. This species was recorded from Varapetti 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 Sciences College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Renjith Jacob Mathews of the Society for Odonate Studies, Kerala and Krishnamegh Kunte of the National Center for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. The findings have been published in the International Journal of Odontology. According to Dr.
Chandran the newly described dragonfly appears seasonally only during the south-west monsoon from late May to late August. During the remaining months of the year, the species is believed to remain in its aquatic larval stage, and survive in networks of canals and pools within the shady plantation landscape. He said Liriothemis keralensis is a small dragonfly with distinct sexual dimorphism.
The males are bright blood-red with black markings, making them attractive to look at, while the females are much heavier and yellow with black markings. Although this species has been found in Kerala since 2013, it was misidentified as Liriothemis asigastra for more than a decade, a species previously though restricted to northeastern India. Researchers confirmed its specific identity through detailed microscopic examination and comparison with museum specimens, which revealed clear differences, including a more slender abdomen and uniquely shaped anal appendages and genitalia.
Dr Chandran and other researchers highlight conservation concerns, noting that most populations of the species occur outside protected area networks. He stressed the importance of careful land-use practices, especially in plantation-dominated landscapes, to ensure the survival of the species.