Anew species of damselfly named, Protosticta sooryaprakashi, sporting vibrant sky-blue markings, has been recently discovered in the biodiversity hotspots of India’s Western Ghats.
About Protosticta sooryaprakashi
It is a new species of damselfly.
Named the KodagShadowdamsel, it was discovered in Karnataka’s Kodagdistrict.
The species has been named in honour of the late Dr. Sooryaprakash Shenoy, a renowned botanist.
Sporting striking sky-blue markings, the KodagShadowdamsel thrives in low-light habitats and requires pristine environmental conditions to breed
Entomologists say its presence is a strong indicator of a healthy ecosystem with minimal pollution
Despite its resemblance to its close relatives, its slender build makes it the thinnest member of the damselfly family
Its distinguishing features include a unique blue spot on its neck and at the tip of its body.
Unlike dragonflies, which inhabit bright, sunny spaces, damselflies like the KodagShadowdamsel favour cool, shaded areas, making sightings rare and significant
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
