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Lestes paloti: New Spreadwing Damselfly Found in Kerala’s Western Ghats

21 July 20261 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYLestes paloti: NewSpreadwing DamselflyFound in Kerala’sWestern Ghats21 July 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A previously unknown damselfly was reported from Kerala, ending a long gap in such finds.

Key facts

  • Family and order: Lestidae, Odonata.
  • Name honours: Dr. Muhamed Jafer Palot of ZSI, Kozhikode.
  • Earlier landmarks: Lestes malabaricus (1929) in the Western Ghats; Lestes garoensis (1987) in India.
  • Found in: six Kerala districts, among them Kannur, Wayanad and Ernakulam.

Exam angle

  • Order: Odonata.
  • Habitat is unusual for a damselfly.

Test yourself

1. Lestes paloti, a newly described damselfly, was discovered in which region?

It was found in the Western Ghats of Kerala.

2. After whom was the damselfly Lestes paloti named?

It honours Dr. Muhamed Jafer Palot of ZSI, Kozhikode.

3. Lestes paloti belongs to which insect order?

The notes place it in family Lestidae, order Odonata.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 21 July 2026 (12 topics).

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