A team of researchers recently made a significant discovery of a new species of damselfly in the Ponmudi hills of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
Location and Biodiversity
- Ponmudi hills are situated in the Agasthyamalai landscape, at the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats.
- The region is known for its rich biodiversity.
- This marks the third species of damselfly discovered in the area.
Species Description: Cliffside Bambootail (Phylloneura rupestris)
- Belongs to the bambootails group, named for their bamboo-like abdomen.
- Differentiates from existing species by its egg-laying behavior.
Previous Understanding of the Genus Phylloneura
- The genus was previously thought to be monotypic, with only one described species: the Myristica Bambootail (Phylloneura westermanni).
- Myristica Bambootail is associated with myristica swamps and is endemic to the Western Ghats.
Contrast with Myristica Bambootail
- Cliffside Bambootail lays eggs in moss beds in seasonal rills flowing over rock cliffs.
- Myristica Bambootail lays eggs on the surface roots of riparian trees.
Researchers Involved
- Mr. Vivek Chandran and Subin K. Jose from Christ College, Irinjalakuda.
- Reji Chandran from the Society for Odonate Studies.
- Suraj Palode from the Shola Nature Society.
- Pankaj Koparde from MIT World Peace University.
Publication
- The study results have been published in the International Journal of Odonatology.
Significance of the Discovery
- Highlights the need for comprehensive studies to understand the biodiversity of the southern Western Ghats.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Where was the new species of damselfly discovered?
- a) Silent Valley National Park
- b) Bandipur National Park
- c) Ponmudi hills, Thiruvananthapuram
- d) Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Answer: c) Ponmudi hills, Thiruvananthapuram
- What is the name of the newly discovered species?
- a) Myristica Bambootail
- b) Cliffside Bambootail
- c) Western Ghats Bambootail
- d) Ponmudi Bambootail
- Answer: b) Cliffside Bambootail
- What distinguishes the genus Phylloneura?
- a) Its colorful wings
- b) Its long bamboo-like abdomen
- c) Its habitat in coastal regions
- d) Its preference for urban areas
- Answer: b) Its long bamboo-like abdomen
- Which behavior contrasts Cliffside Bambootail from Myristica Bambootail?
- a) Egg-laying on tree branches
- b) Egg-laying on the surface roots of riparian trees
- c) Egg-laying in moss beds in seasonal rills flowing over rock cliffs
- d) Egg-laying in still water bodies
- Answer: c) Egg-laying in moss beds in seasonal rills flowing over rock cliffs