Amidst the lush landscapes of Wayanad, a new dragonfly species has emerged, known as the Red-rumped Hawklet (Epithemis Wayanadensis). This vibrant discovery pays homage to the rich biodiversity of the Wayanad plateau nestled in the Western Ghats. The collaborative efforts of Vivek Chandran, Subin K. Jose, David Raju, and Zeeshan Mirza led to this remarkable finding.
The Journey to Discovery
The quest for this remarkable species began during an exploration of Kerala's odonates. The team stumbled upon a population that bore a striking resemblance to the Ruby-tailed Hawklet (Epithemis mariae), a native dragonfly species exclusive to the Western Ghats. E. mariae is known for its petite size, with males displaying blackish-brown and red hues, and females exhibiting golden-yellow and black hues. These dragonflies appear seasonally during the southwest monsoon, favouring marshes and pools near forested hills.
In stark contrast, the newfound Red-rumped Hawklet was discovered amidst shrubs along shaded streamside marshes in Wayanad's forested terrain and parts of the Nilgiri Coorg landscapes within the Western Ghats.
Distinctive Traits
The Red-rumped Hawklet stands out with its darker pigmentation, limited red colouring on the abdomen, and the absence of the yellow antehumeral stripe. After a year-long study, it became evident that this dragonfly species takes flight exclusively during October, disappearing by early November, spending the remainder of the year in its aquatic larval stage.
Genetic Confirmation
To substantiate their discovery, the team conducted DNA analysis, a crucial step in confirming the uniqueness of the species. Remarkably, they found a staggering 12% genetic difference, far exceeding the typical 2% threshold for identifying new species. This marks the first time an Indian dragonfly has been supported by genetic evidence, confirming its distinct morphology. Moreover, this discovery hints at the potential existence of other undiscovered species within this remarkable landscape.
The findings detailing this new dragonfly species have been published in the esteemed, open-access Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity by Elsevier Group. This discovery not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also highlights the endless wonders that await discovery in the heart of Wayanad's verdant landscapes.
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