New Damselfly Species Western Ghats have been discovered by researchers in Maharashtra and Kerala, marking an important milestone in biodiversity studies of this UNESCO World Heritage region. Two previously unknown damselflies—Konkan Shadowdamsel and Crimson Shadowdamsel—were identified after decades of being mistaken for a century-old species. Their discovery underlines both the rich ecological diversity of the Western Ghats and the urgent need for conservation in this fragile ecosystem.
Recent Discoveries
The discovery was announced after extensive fieldwork in the states of Maharashtra and Kerala. The Konkan Shadowdamsel was recorded from Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, while the Crimson Shadowdamsel was located in the forested areas of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala.
Both species belong to the genus Protosticta, commonly known as Shadowdamsels, which prefer shaded forest habitats with clean streams. Until now, these damselflies had been misidentified as the Red-spot Shadowdamsel, first described over 100 years ago in the Nilgiri Hills.
Their identification highlights the importance of continued research and surveys in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats, which often conceal species not yet recognized by science.
Species Differentiation
Detailed taxonomic studies revealed that these damselflies are indeed distinct from the Red-spot Shadowdamsel. Researchers used a combination of high-resolution microscopy and molecular analysis, particularly focusing on the COI gene (cytochrome oxidase I), which is often used in species identification.
- The Crimson Shadowdamsel is marked by its bright reddish body, a distinguishing trait that sets it apart from other species in the group.
- The Konkan Shadowdamsel displays a coffee-brown coloration, subtle but unique compared to its counterparts.
- In contrast, the Red-spot Shadowdamsel is jet black, which previously caused the confusion.
Such morphological and genetic differences confirm that these newly described damselflies represent separate, endemic species.
Habitat and Distribution
The Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity, is home to 16 species of Protosticta damselflies. Many of these species have extremely small and restricted ranges, often confined to tiny patches of forest.
The two new Shadowdamsel species were found in microhabitats—small forest patches with dense canopy cover and clean, flowing streams. Unfortunately, these habitats exist outside major protected areas, leaving the new species vulnerable to human disturbances.
The fact that such discoveries are still being made in 2025 is proof of the hidden biodiversity in the Ghats, much of which could vanish if not studied and protected in time.
Conservation Concerns
The survival of Shadowdamsels depends entirely on pristine habitats—forests with thick canopy cover and unpolluted water streams. Any disturbance, such as deforestation, stream diversion, or plantation expansion, can destroy their delicate ecosystems.
In the case of the Konkan and Crimson Shadowdamsels, both species are under immediate risk due to logging, agricultural expansion, and habitat fragmentation. Since their exact distribution is limited and poorly understood, their conservation status has not yet been assessed.
However, researchers stress that their presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems and clean water sources. Protecting these insects therefore indirectly protects entire ecosystems that sustain countless species, including humans.
Ecological Importance
Damselflies, along with dragonflies, are considered excellent bioindicators of environmental health. Their life cycle depends on freshwater habitats, making them sensitive to pollution and habitat alteration.
In the case of the New Damselfly Species Western Ghats, their discovery is a reminder that the region’s ecological health is closely tied to the survival of even its smallest inhabitants. Focused surveys in the Western Ghats could reveal more such microendemic species, each contributing to the understanding of evolutionary processes and ecological balance.
Moreover, protecting damselflies contributes to the broader blueprint of conservation, as they play a role in maintaining food webs by preying on smaller insects and serving as prey for birds and amphibians.
Research and Collaboration
The breakthrough was made possible by collaborative efforts among various institutions:
- The Society for Odonate Studies
- The Indian Foundation for Butterflies
- The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
Their combined expertise in taxonomy, molecular biology, and field ecology made the identification of these species possible. This collaboration also reflects the growing emphasis on citizen science and institutional partnerships in biodiversity studies.
Conclusion
The discovery of New Damselfly Species Western Ghats underscores the immense but fragile biodiversity hidden within this ancient mountain range. The Konkan and Crimson Shadowdamsels are not just new additions to the scientific world; they are symbols of ecological resilience and indicators of environmental health.
As threats from deforestation, urbanization, and climate change intensify, these small creatures serve as urgent reminders of what is at stake. Protecting the Western Ghats is no longer just about saving forests—it is about safeguarding the entire chain of life, from tiny damselflies to human communities that depend on clean water and stable ecosystems.
The story of these damselflies is both a celebration of discovery and a call to action—highlighting why the Western Ghats must remain a global priority for conservation.
