Lestes paloti-A new species of damselfly

Researchers have discovered a new species of spreadwing damselfly, Lestes paloti, from the Western Ghats in Kerala.

The discovery has been published in the International Journal of Odonatology, a peer-reviewed international journal dedicated to research on dragonflies and damselflies.

Lestes paloti is the first new species of the genus Lestes to be described from India since Lestes garoensis was identified in 1987, ending a gap of nearly 40 years.

It is also the first new Lestes species from the Western Ghats since Lestes malabaricus was described in 1929, making it the first addition to the region’s spreadwing damselfly fauna in almost a century.

Researchers have noted that such long intervals between discoveries are rare in insect taxonomy, underscoring the scientific significance of the finding.

About Dragonflies and Damselflies (Order Odonata)

• Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the insect order Odonata, which means “toothed jaws.”
• The order is divided into two suborders:
  • Anisoptera – Dragonflies
  • Zygoptera – Damselflies
• They are characterized by large compound eyes, two pairs of transparent wings, elongated bodies and powerful flight and excellent vision.

Sources: The Hindu & Nature Spot

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