New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala Farmlands: Lyriothemis keralensis

• Researchers identified Lyriothemis keralensis, a new dragonfly species, in Kerala's low-lying coastal plains, formally named the Slender Bombardier.
• The discovery, published in the International Journal of Odonatology, followed over a decade of investigation distinguishing it from Lyriothemis acigastra.
• Unique physical traits include a slim abdomen, distinct tail and genital structure; males are blood-red with black markings, females yellow and black.
• Measuring about three centimetres, it thrives in irrigation landscapes like pineapple and rubber plantations, not traditional forest sanctuaries.
• Researchers emphasize conserving biodiversity in human-dominated areas, as its survival depends on microhabitats within agricultural lands.