New Damselfly Species 'Lestes paloti' Discovered in Kerala's Western Ghats
A team of odonatologists has discovered a new species of spreadwing damselfly, named Lestes paloti, from the Western Ghats in Kerala. The discovery, published in the International Journal of Odonatology, is a significant addition to odonate taxonomy. Lestes paloti is the first new species described in the genus Lestes from India since 1987 (Lestes garoensis), ending a gap of nearly four decades, and the first new Lestes species from the Western Ghats since 1929 (Lestes malabaricus). The find underscores the rich, still-being-documented biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1A new spreadwing damselfly, Lestes paloti, was discovered in Kerala's Western Ghats.
- 2The discovery was published in the International Journal of Odonatology.
- 3It is the first new Lestes species from India since 1987 (Lestes garoensis).
- 4It is the first new Lestes species from the Western Ghats since 1929 (Lestes malabaricus).
- 5The find adds significantly to odonate taxonomy and Western Ghats biodiversity records.
Deep Dive
- +Odonatology is the study of dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata).
- +The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot with high species endemism.
Exam Focus
What is the name of the new damselfly species discovered in Kerala's Western Ghats?
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
New species discoveries in the Western Ghats are recurring environment & ecology exam items. The species name (Lestes paloti) and its location are the testable hooks.
Target Exams
Background & Context
The Western Ghats, running along India's western coast, is one of the world's eight 'hottest' biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to numerous endemic species. Damselflies and dragonflies belong to the order Odonata and are studied under odonatology; they are sensitive to habitat quality and serve as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health. New species descriptions expand scientific understanding of India's natural heritage.
Test Yourself
1 / 2The new spreadwing damselfly discovered in Kerala's Western Ghats is named:
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