New Damselfly Species Discovered in Kodagu’s Shaded Forests

The newly identified Kodagu Shadowdamsel (Protosticta sooryaprakashi), a slender damselfly with distinctive sky-blue markings, discovered in the shaded forests of Kodagu in the Western Ghats. Photo Courtesy: https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5723.3.3

Madikeri: A team of researchers has discovered a new species of damselfly in the dense, shade-rich forests of the Western Ghats, marking a significant addition to the region’s rich biodiversity. The species, named ‘Kodagu Shadowdamsel’ (Protosticta sooryaprakashi), was identified in May 2025 during field surveys in Sampage, located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.

Sporting striking sky-blue markings, the Kodagu Shadowdamsel 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. The find underscores the hidden diversity that still exists in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots.

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The species was first documented by Muhammed Haneef, Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Government Brennen College, Thalassery, Kerala. According to TNIE report, Haneef recorded the insect in Kodagu and later noted another specimen in Agumbe. The preliminary observations were shared with experts in Maharashtra, while physical samples underwent genetic analysis at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru.

According to researchers, DNA sequencing revealed that the Kodagu Shadowdamsel differs by 10–15% from other known damselflies, confirming it as a distinct species. 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.

Haneef noted that the species had likely been overlooked in previous surveys because of its similarity to other damselflies and its preference for shady, hard-to-access forest patches. Unlike dragonflies, which inhabit bright, sunny spaces, damselflies like the Kodagu Shadowdamsel favour cool, shaded areas making sightings rare and significant.

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