Current Events Current Affairs Analysis
A new species of damselfly, Euphaea wayanadensis, has been discovered in the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats, Kerala.
This discovery adds to Kerala’s 191st recorded odonate species and the 223rd odonate species documented from the Western Ghats. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal ENTOMON.
About Euphaea wayanadensis
iClassification: Belongs to the family Euphaeidae.
iiFirst sightings: Initially observed in 2013 at the Kalindi River, Thirunelli, in Wayanad district, Kerala.
iiiFurther sightings occurred from 2013 to 2019 in Wayanad, followed by more observations from 2019 to 2023 in Aralam (Kannur, Kerala) and the western slopes of Coorg (Karnataka).
Identification challenges:
iInitially misidentified as Euphaea pseudodispar, a species from Maharashtra.
iiLater confirmed as a distinct species through detailed morphological study and genetic analysis.
Key Morphological Features
iDistinctive hind wing: Features a longer black patch compared to related species.
iiStriking colouration: Males display broader and uninterrupted humeral and antehumeral stripes.
iiiUnique genital structure: The male genital vesicle exhibits structural traits that differ from closely related species.
Habitat and Distribution
iThrives in evergreen and semi-evergreen forest regions along stream banks.
iiActive throughout the year, except in the dry seasons of March and April.
iiiShows highly restricted distribution, making it vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.
"UPSC-2026-PRELIMS COMBINED MAINS PROGRAMME" NEW BATCH STARTS WITH ORIENTATION ON JUNE 6th,2025 UPSC-2025 / MAINS OPTIONAL / PSIR / Test Series
UPSC MAINS - 2025 / MAINS MASTERS / GENERAL STUDIES TEST PROGRAM
UPSC - CSE -2025 - GS Prelims Paper - I Answer Key TNPSC-2025 - GR-I, II, IIA and IV PCM NEW BATCH STARTS JUNE 18th, 2025
"TNPSC-2025 GROUP-I, II, A PRELIMS TEST SERIES"
