Gynacantha khasiaca-A rare dragonfly species rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh

A rare dragonfly species, Gynacantha khasiaca, commonly known as the long-tailed duskhawker, has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after more than 110 years.
The species was recorded from the Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Changlang district by a team of citizen scientists.

About the Discovery

The dragonfly was found nearly 600 km east of the location where it was first recorded in 1914 from the erstwhile Abor Hills region.
The rediscovery highlights the rich but still underexplored biodiversity of Northeast India.

About Gynacantha khasiaca

Gynacantha khasiaca belongs to the group of dragonflies known as duskhawkers, which are active during dusk and low-light conditions.
The species is noted for its elongated tail-like abdomen and agile aerial movement.Dragonflies possess two large compound eyes containing thousands of tiny lenses and photoreceptor units, giving them near-360° vision.
They are highly efficient aerial predators capable of hovering motionlessly in the air and rapidly changing flight direction.

About Dragonflies

Dragonflies belong to the suborder Anisoptera under the order Odonata.
Around 3,000 species of dragonflies are found worldwide, mostly near freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, rivers and wetlands.
They play an important ecological role by controlling mosquito and other insect populations.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Damselflies belong to the suborder Zygoptera, and together with dragonflies they form the order Odonata.
Dragonflies are generally larger and sturdier, while damselflies are slimmer with wings usually folded along the body during rest.

About Namdapha National ParkNamdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of India’s largest protected areas and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and dense tropical forests.
The park forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and supports numerous rare and endemic species.

Source: Journal of Threatened Taxa