New Kodagu Shadowdamsel Discovered in Western Ghats Forests

A vibrant new damselfly species has been identified in the Western Ghats, underscoring the region’s remarkable yet understudied biodiversity. Named the Kodagu Shadowdamsel (Protosticta sooryaprakashi), the insect was discovered along shaded streamside habitats in Karnataka, where researchers combined field observations with DNA sequencing to confirm its distinct evolutionary lineage.

Discovery in Kodagu and Agumbe

Surveys along the Sampaje River in Kodagu district and in the high-altitude forests of Agumbe revealed specimens that resembled a known species but differed subtly in size and form. Collaborative work between multiple research institutions helped establish that these insects represented a previously undocumented species inhabiting riparian vegetation in low-light environments.

Distinctive Physical Features

The Kodagu Shadowdamsel displays unique characteristics that separate it from its closest relatives. Males possess striking sky-blue markings on the prothorax and a dark brown to black body, contrasting sharply with the crimson-toned thorax of similar species. Microscopic examination revealed a remarkable feature: the male reproductive organ ends in lobes shaped like a duck’s head, a form unlike that seen in any related taxa.

Behaviour and Ecological Significance

In the wild, the species perches on shaded plants near flowing water, using a weak, fluttering flight. This behaviour reflects its dependence on cool, sheltered microhabitats. Researchers emphasise that such riparian zones are critical to the ecological stability of the Western Ghats, supporting a range of freshwater-dependent species and maintaining overall watershed health.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Kodagu Shadowdamsel’s scientific name is Protosticta sooryaprakashi.
• The species was discovered in Kodagu and Agumbe in the Western Ghats.
• Males show a sky-blue prothorax marking and a uniquely shaped genital ligula.
• The species is named in honour of botanist Dr. Sooryaprakash Shenoy.

Conservation and Biodiversity Insights

The naming honours the late Dr Sooryaprakash Shenoy, whose work advanced conservation in the Western Ghats. The finding suggests that even accessible forests continue to harbour cryptic species, reinforcing the urgency of protecting shaded riverine habitats essential for maintaining the region’s biological richness.