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Lyriothemis keralensis: New Dragonfly Species from Kerala

11 February 20261 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYLyriothemiskeralensis: NewDragonfly Speciesfrom Kerala11 February 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Scientists formally described a new dragonfly found in Kerala and named it Lyriothemis keralensis, a find that underlines the state’s rich yet little-studied biodiversity.

Key facts

  • Name: Lyriothemis keralensis; genus Lyriothemis.
  • Order: Odonata, the group of dragonflies and damselflies.
  • Range: endemic to Kerala.
  • The epithet keralensis reflects where the species was found.

About Odonata

  • Includes dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera).
  • They act as indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.
  • They react sensitively to pollution and habitat disturbance.
  • Endemic species face higher risk from habitat loss and climate change.

Exam angle

  • Species: Lyriothemis keralensis; state: Kerala.
  • Order Odonata: Anisoptera (dragonflies) and Zygoptera (damselflies).
  • Concept to recall: endemic species and bio-indicators.

Test yourself

1. To which order does the newly described dragonfly Lyriothemis keralensis belong?

Odonata covers dragonflies and damselflies.

2. Lyriothemis keralensis is endemic to which Indian state?

The species is endemic to Kerala, as its name indicates.

3. Which group name is used for damselflies within Odonata in the Lyriothemis keralensis notes?

Damselflies are Zygoptera; dragonflies are Anisoptera.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 11 February 2026 (15 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizFebruary 2026

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