New dragonfly species in Kerala have been discovered by researchers, drawing widespread attention from scientific and environmental communities. The findings, made in the ecologically rich Western Ghats and surrounding landscapes, highlight Kerala’s role as a biodiversity hotspot and underline the importance of insect conservation in a rapidly changing environment. In a series of remarkable discoveries, entomologists and biodiversity researchers have identified brand-new dragonfly species in the Western Ghats and surrounding landscapes—underscoring the region’s ecological importance and the hidden wonders of insect life that still await discovery.
A New Species Emerges: Lyriothemis keralensis—The Slender Bombardier
In early 2026, researchers reported the formal identification of a previously undocumented species of dragonfly in the low-lying coastal plains of Kerala. Scientifically named Lyriothemis keralensis and commonly known as the Slender Bombardier, this species was first observed more than a decade ago but was initially mistaken for a related odonate from northeast India.
This new dragonfly stands out due to its distinct morphology and behavior. With a slender abdomen, unusual tail and genital structures, and striking color differences between the sexes, Lyriothemis keralensis does not conform to the appearance of its close relative — Lyriothemis acigastra—commonly called the Little Bloodtail. Males of the species display deep blood-red abdomens with black markings, while females show broader bodies with yellow and black hues.
Unlike many dragonflies that thrive in forested or protected habitats, Lyriothemis keralensis has adapted to human-modified landscapes, particularly irrigated farmlands and plantations such as pineapple and rubber estates. Here, it frequents shaded canals and seasonal water pools created during the monsoon. This unique habitat preference has important implications for conservation—it suggests that traditional biodiversity efforts, which often focus on forests and sanctuaries, must also consider agricultural ecosystems as vital support systems for lesser-known species.
Discovery of Lyriothemis abrahami: Uncovering Hidden Diversity
Earlier—in July 2025—another new dragonfly species was documented in the Western Ghats: Lyriothemis abrahami. This species had remained cryptic to science because it closely resembled Lyriothemis flava, a known species, until researchers conducted rigorous field surveys, larval studies, and detailed morphological comparisons.
The species was named in honor of Abraham Samuel, a pioneering odonatologist (an expert in dragonflies and damselflies) from Kerala, in recognition of his contributions to Indian entomology. Lyriothemis abrahami is endemic to the southern and central Western Ghats, with confirmed populations documented across forest areas in both Kerala and neighboring Karnataka.
What makes Lyriothemis abrahami particularly intriguing is its breeding preference—it reproduces in phytotelmata, which are tiny pools of water that accumulate in tree holes. This unique ecological niche underlines how dragonflies can exploit microhabitats that are easily overlooked. Male and female adults show strong sexual dimorphism (differences in appearance between sexes), with males having uniquely shaped reproductive organs and females being predominantly black with striking yellow markings.
Historical Discoveries in Kerala’s Western Ghats
Kerala has a growing record of discoveries and additions to the dragonfly family (Odonata). For example, researchers in Wayanad earlier identified Epithemis wayanadensis, known as the Red-rumped Hawklet, distinguished by its darker pigmentation and limited red coloration relative to related species. This was one of the first such discoveries in Indian odonatology to employ molecular analysis to differentiate a species.
Meanwhile, collaborative scientific efforts have also uncovered novel damselfly species — like Euphaea wayanadensis (the Wayanad Torrent Dart), found in fast-flowing forest streams and identified by a suite of distinct morphological traits bolstered by genetic evidence.
The region has also been the focus of more extensive surveys. For example, Silent Valley National Park’s odonate census recorded dozens of species, including multiple additions to the park’s official species list.
Why These Discoveries Matter—Beyond “Just Another Bug”
At first glance, dragonflies may seem like ordinary insects—slender, winged, darting through the air on warm afternoons. But for scientists, every new species tells a deeper story:
1. Indicators of Ecosystem Health
Dragonflies and damselflies are considered bioindicators — species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the overall health of an ecosystem. Because they often require clean water and specific habitat conditions for breeding and maturity, their diversity and population trends provide clues to environmental quality.
Lyriothemis abrahami, for instance, breeds in tree-hole pools, which are sensitive to canopy cover loss, logging, and climate shifts. Its rarity and restricted distribution underscore the importance of preserving microhabitats within mature forests.
2. Expanding Biodiversity Knowledge
Each novel species extends our understanding of the rich web of life in hotspots like the Western Ghats—a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot. The addition of species like Lyriothemis abrahami and Lyriothemis keralensis contributes to Kerala’s tally of documented odonates, reinforcing the state’s global significance for insect diversity.
3. Challenging Conservation Paradigms
These discoveries invite a rethink of conservation strategies. The fact that a unique dragonfly species thrives in agricultural landscapes challenges the assumption that all valuable biodiversity lives only in protected areas. The result calls for inclusive conservation practices that consider ecosystems altered by humans as valuable reservoirs of biodiversity.
4. Inspiring Future Research
Such discoveries energize scientific exploration. They demonstrate the importance of long-term field surveys, museum specimen analysis, and molecular techniques in uncovering biodiversity that can remain hidden for years. These methods continue to reveal new species and help shape our understanding of evolutionary processes in dynamic landscapes.
The Road Ahead: Conservation and Community Engagement
While discoveries are cause for celebration, they also serve as a reminder of the fragility of life. Dragonflies depend on specific freshwater sources, intact forest canopies, and clean environments. Human impacts—like habitat fragmentation, water pollution, and unsustainable agriculture—can threaten delicate life cycles.https://yourwebsite.com/biodiversity-hotspots-in-india
Conservationists advocate for:
- Habitat protection and restoration, especially of microhabitats such as tree holes, marshes, and shaded water channels.
- Community awareness programs to involve local people in biodiversity monitoring and protection.
- Integration of biodiversity values in agricultural policies so that species thriving in farmlands are not lost to monocultures and drainage practices.
- Continued scientific collaboration between institutions, NGOs, and citizen scientists to map and monitor odonate diversity.
New Perspectives on Insect Diversity
The identification of new dragonfly species in Kerala—from Lyriothemis keralensis in irrigated farmlands to Lyriothemis abrahami hidden in forest tree holes—reveals a complex and vibrant insect world that still surprises scientists. These discoveries highlight not only the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats but also the need to broaden how we think about conservation. Each new species is not just a name in a journal; it’s a symbol of ecological health, a marker of environmental change, and a testament to the enduring thrill of scientific discovery.
